Organize Your Work Life!
Lately I’ve noticed that my work-related stress has pretty much always been tied due to a lack of organization. I have tried to implement more efficient ways to work, but ended up getting frustrated again and again. It was only when I created a realistic routine for myself that I felt better about my work ... It seems like the word “routine” is synonymous with the word “boring” in many people’s minds. What I’ve come to learn, however, is that creating and sticking to these patterns in a world where no one has any control over anything is a small, easy way to control what you DO have power over. This sense of boring, or repetition, will ultimately keep you motivated and productive, and seriously cut back the stress.
Here are the steps that have worked for me:
Be more efficient.
The most obvious benefit to routine... I once read that your first hour of the day sets the tone for how the rest of it will go. Morning routine has proven to be an absolute necessity in my life. Even just making the bed every morning. There is a sense of accomplishment that comes along with completing even the smallest tasks, and that is an empowering start to the day. TRY THIS: Rather than trying to do a ton of things all at once, breaking up the day not only makes it easier to get things done, but allows you to give full attention to each task, instead of racing to get through things and having to go back later.
Repetitively instill good habits.
You decide you want to start reading more, so you sit down on a Sunday afternoon when you have no plans and read an entire book... Although it will be temporarily beneficial, the knowledge and motivation might fade. TRY THIS: Try adding 20 minutes of reading to your nightly routine would provide longer lasting results. Just like how an athlete who practices a sport for an hour every day would probably outperform an athlete who spent one day playing the game. Consistency and routine go hand in hand.
Break bad habits.
If you come in to work every morning and “let the day run you”, you will never accomplish what you want to accomplish. Instead of replying to emails as they come, or cramming phone calls into the last hour, set a plan and stick with it. Routine at work is just as important as routine outside work. TRY THIS: Set a goal to check emails and voicemails first thing in the morning, then spend the afternoon finishing a project without interruptions. You’ll feel better. No one is going to die if you take an hour to respond to their message (unless you’re in the medical field, then please disregard!)
Build confidence.
Any time you invest in yourself and take the process of evolving seriously, it builds confidence. Feeling disorganized and unmotivated creates negative self-talk. Then, we have the makings of a downward spiral. TRY THIS: Your body believes what your mind tells it, so tell it good things. When you are getting your work done and feeling good about it, things start to go your way and you gain a sense of clarity.
Cut back the stress.
It’s simple-we all have enough to worry about. Procrastination is not a luxury any of us can afford. Fixing mistakes you made while you were rushing is just extra work that no one has time for. You owe it to yourself to develop a routine and add some ease into your life. And make sure you pencil yourself in for some relaxation.