Do you find yourself so busy, and working harder than ever, but not actually getting as much done?
“Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have 24 hours in a day.” – Zig Ziglar
This happens to the best of us. The feeling of being overwhelmed, and not having a clear focus or direction. Not to mention the stress and unexpected challenges of the pandemic might be weighing you down as well.
In a blog from Shawn Johal, a business growth coach, Johal gives some tips on how to get the most out of your work, without over-working and burning out.
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Brain Release
Make a to-do list, once a week, of everything you need to accomplish. These tasks could include an email, returning something to a store, and paying bills.
After making a list, classify them into four categories ranging from important to urgent. If you struggle with categorizing these tasks, Johal says to ask yourself: Is this task really that important? Urgent? Or does it even matter at all?
Deep Work Bursts
You might have heard of this productivity tip before, but it’s suggested to set 90 minutes aside to work on a substantial project. Silence your phone, close your emails, put some noise-canceling headphones on, and lock your door (if you have one). It’s important to get rid of all the surrounding distractions to really begin to focus on the task at hand.
“According to a recent study by UC Irvine in California, it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to regain focus after becoming distracted from a state of deep work. Imagine how much valuable time you lose to distraction! If 90-minute bursts seem excessive to you, start with 20-minute focused bursts and increase that amount over time.”
Mindfulness Breaks
Taking a break can help you take time to collect your thoughts and regain your energy. But don’t grab your phone so fast! These breaks mean space away from your phone and social media.
Johan suggests: “Take a walk, find a break buddy, stretch, eat (away from your desk) or take deep breaths. It will provide clarity and a fresh perspective.”
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Try these three practices the next time you feel overwhelmed and unproductive with your work!
