Work Smarter, Not Harder

Avoiding Burnout

There are some days where it seems like the work never ends, and if you have a lot of these days then you might be feeling a little burnt out. But how do you avoid feeling this way while still accomplishing your goals? Is there anything that you can do? Though the answers to these questions might be different for everyone, here are a few suggestions.

1. Take some time to yourself.

Schedule an hour or more for yourself a day. Use this time to do something fun or to just relax. Avoid answering phone calls and emails during this time and focus on what is right in front of you.

2. Prepare yourself.

Do your best to get your work supplies and daily needs organized and prepared. You could set out your work clothes. You could make a list of what you need to do. You could even set a schedule as to how long each task should take you. This may help reduce stress and enhance clarity.

3. Ask for help.

If you have a lot of work, you might want to ask someone else for assistance. Two sets of hands are better than one set, so see if there is a friend or co-worker that can take some of the responsibility off your back.

With proper preparation and the ability to walk away from your work and reflect when needed, you might find that you feel less stress. Everyone has work to do, and everyone needs a break once in a while, so don’t be afraid to schedule time for yourself or ask for help.

Handling Interruptions

During your workday, you may be stressed and doing your best to meet your deadlines. However, when working around other people, this can be difficult as sometimes there are interruptions that throw you off track. So, how do you handle these interruptions? What can you do to minimize this issue while still remaining professional? Though the answers to these questions might be different for everyone, here are a few suggestions.

1. Talk to the person that is interrupting.

Even if it is just a co-worker that came by to have a quick chat with you about his or her day, make sure to communicate with him or her. Let the other person that is interrupting your work know that you care about his or her conversation, but you are in the middle of a project. Make a time where the two of you can talk during a break or after work so he or she knows that you care about his or her issue.

2. Put on headphones.

Sometimes, interruptions are created by conversations that don’t involve you or other noises, so if needed, put on a pair of noise canceling headphones so you can concentrate on the work at hand.

3. Find a quieter space.

If you are able to be mobile at your job, then try to find another place to work. Sometimes, you can’t control the things around you, but you might have the ability to find a different place that is more comfortable to work.

Interruptions at work can be frustrating but addressing the issues that are causing these interruptions can help minimize your exposure to them and allow you to get back on track. So, be assertive, find a quiet place to work, and if all else fails, use those headphones.

Finding a Little Peace

Sometimes after a long workday or just a busy day in general, you might feel overwhelmed and out of sorts. During these times, it may be helpful to take a little time to yourself and reflect. But how do you do this? Where do you start? And is it really possible to find a little peace with so much going on? Well, though the answers to these questions might be different for everyone, here are some suggestions.

1. Reduce the noise.

Go somewhere without a lot of noise and people. Find a nice trail to walk on or a comfy spot in your house to enjoy the silence. This may give you time to reflect on your day and lower your stress levels.

2. Analyze what is really bothering you.

Sometimes, it can seem like everything is going wrong, but when you reflect on your day, you may find that there is only one issue that is really bothering you. By pinpointing this issue, you may be able to think about ways to overcome your feelings when dealing with it, and this might help you gain a new perspective.

3. Let go.

Try to let go of any negativity that you experienced throughout your day and focus on the good things that are in your life. You may find that the good things outweigh the bad things, and this might give you more motivation to move past your bad day.

Everyone has bad days, but it is how we handle them that matters. So, take a little time to yourself and reflect. Maybe, you will find a new perspective.