Sometimes a heavy workload can’t be avoided. But, there are ways to save time and still produce the highest quality work.
Do you ever worry that you’re working too hard? Although work stress should be curtailed before it tips into job burnout, pulling back is often easier said than done.
Unfortunately, if you’re burdened with a super heavy workload, you may feel that you simply have no other choice in the matter but to keep going. The good news is that there are some ways you can get everything done and save time — without compromising quality.
1. Plan your day carefully.
Some days, you can just kind of wing it. Sure, you have a lot to do, but you can follow your to-do list and move through the day without a lot of planning ahead.
However, everything changes when you’re busy. These are the times when you really need to carefully plan your days. So, either at the end of the day or the beginning of the next one, take some time to do just that.
It might be a good idea to plan to settle the most important and pressing task first. This way you can be sure to get it done. You’ll save yourself time during your day if you spend a little planning before you begin.
2. Meditate.
Some people say that they don’t meditate because they can’t find the time. But, meditation actually saves time.
Researchers have proven that meditation improves focus and productivity. In turn, it increases your dependability at work and boosts your performance in general.
Meditation can also help strengthen your willpower and self-control. Meditating every day should help you continue to make good decisions, even during a period when you’re shouldering an extra-heavy workload.
3. Log off.
You might feel like your devices are essential to your job, and in many occupations, that’s true. But, that doesn’t mean that you need to be connected 24/7.
Unplugging could help you focus and get more done in less time. So, when you come across a task that doesn’t require your phone or the internet, set the devices aside. Even just taking breaks for an hour at a time could be worthwhile.
4. Get to work early.
You might want to consider getting to work a little earlier than usual when you have a lot to do.
This isn’t so that you can put in more hours. In fact, you should try to leave earlier on the days when you arrive earlier. It’s so that you can be more productive. The world is a little quieter early in the morning. Arriving a bit ahead of everyone else should give you some undisturbed, focused time to work. Use it wisely.
5. Eliminate distractions.
Flow is an optimal state of consciousness where creativity and productivity are heightened. Think about a painter who loses hours at her canvas — that’s flow state.
You can achieve the same thing at your job, if you know what you’re looking for. The key to scoring some flow time is to eliminate distractions as much as possible. Spending even just a couple hours a day working from this state of heightened focus could help you get a lot done.
Some tasks are better than others for achieving flow. Tasks that are challenging and hold our attention, without being impossibly difficult, work best.
6. Take breaks.
Focus on maintaining a calm and easy state of mind during this time of heavy work. It will save you lots of aggravation — and time — later on if you can stop from getting too stressed out by everything that’s going on.
Take breaks often in order to maintain a peaceful mood and attitude — and don’t feel guilty about it, either. That won’t help your stress level, and there’s nothing to feel bad about. You need to take breaks in order to keep moving at such a fast pace.
7. Learn to say “No.”
It’s OK to have an extra-heavy workload once in a while. But, you really shouldn’t make it a habit. In order to ensure that you don’t get yourself into this jam again, or sink any deeper this time around, it’s important that you learn how to say no.
These days, it’s an essential work skill. You simply have to be protective of your time. So, work on saying no, even to your boss. Because, while hard work is a virtue, it’s not something you want to be fully immersed in absolutely all the time. Learn how and when to draw the line.
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