We live in a culture where it’s go-go-go, but we really should be stressing the importance of slowing down. Everyone has been there before: you’re juggling a few tasks while getting emails, texts, and IMs, and receiving requests for things that were absolutely not on your to-do list. Next thing you know, you’re mentally curled up in the fetal position and too paralyzed by stress to get anything done.
I recently wrote about how to prioritize a to-do list, but that doesn’t help in a scenario like I explained above. Hopefully not every day looks like that one to you, but if it doesn’t, the good news is that there is hope to structure your day, be more efficient, and make space to take a deep breath and go for a walk when you need to.
Over time, I’ve built a pretty good reputation of being able to “squeeze the day” as my mom would say. The way I do this is simple: I continuously re-prioritize as my day goes on.
Reprioritize
- Start with a list of what is most important at the beginning of the day
- As the day goes on, jot down new asks that come up
- Jot down errands you remembered you need to run
- When you have a free 5min in between tasks/meetings, glance at your list and prioritize as needed
Slowing down for these 5min throughout the day will not only help you prioritize, it will help you feel like you have a better grip on the work you need to get done.
Time box
As a person who REALLY struggles with attention span, I also make use of the Pomodoro timer method. This allows me to focus on one task for 25min. If I finish the task, I move onto the next one. The main thing you’ll realize is you can accomplish a LOT if you slow down and commit to ONE TASK for 25min. If new emails, texts, etc. come in during the 25min, unless it is truly urgent, ignore it until the timer goes off. Then make sure to take the 5min or 15min break to create conscious space between one task and the next.
Speak up
If you truly are overwhelmed and nothing is working, then speak up. Sometimes we don’t say anything because we think we should be able to or must handle something ourselves. But the thing is that a lot of the time we’re putting unnecessary pressure on ourselves. If you’re not voicing concern over workload or deadlines, you’re on the fast track to Burnout City. In some cases, you can’t do much, especially when it comes to real life stuff, and when that happens, it’s ok to ask for help. Friends and family are there to support you, and it’s ok to say you need a hand every now and then.
What are some other methods you’ve come up with to help you slow down and make the most of your time?