With so much to do in a day, time management is an important skill to develop. When you’re more productive at work, you can reduce those late nights and stressful days leading up to deadlines. With a few simple changes to your routine, you can make the most out of your work hours.
1. Schedule breaks.
When you work without a break, your mind can become tired and your productivity levels decrease. Schedule short breaks throughout the day, and use this time to get a snack, go for a walk, or meditate to clear your mind, so you’re refreshed and ready to get back to work.
2. Set internal deadlines.
Some people just can’t get the job done until they know it’s due. If this sounds like you, set your internal deadline for a day or two earlier before your project is actually due, and strive to reach this goal. This can help you focus, reduce your overall stress, and get your work done faster.
3. Turn off notifications.
It can be hard to ignore the blinking light of a voicemail, or the icon signaling new email. Turn off your notifications while you work, and set times throughout the day to check and reply.
4. Use email filters.
Sorting through email can quickly eat up your time. Spend a few minutes to set up some email filters to sort your email into folders for you. This way you can easily find only the emails relevant to the task at hand, isolate urgent emails, and save low-priority emails for another time.
5. The two-minute rule.
Some tasks can be done quickly, but you put them off anyways, which tends to take more time in the end. If you see something that you can complete in less than two minutes, get it done so it’s not lingering on your to-do list.
6. Create a pleasant space.
If you’re not comfortable in your work area, you’ll spend more time fussing with adjusting your chair than doing your work. Make sure your chair is comfortable and ergonomically correct to keep from aches and pains. Lamps, plants and pictures can also help you relax and focus.
With so much to do, it’s important to make the most of your work hours, both to benefit your company and yourself. By minimizing distractions and changing your work habits, you can be more productive and reduce stress.
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