When you think about your average workday, are you overall satisfied with how it goes? If you’re thinking there are some parts of it that could use a tune-up, you’re not alone. Establishing a routine that makes for an organized and efficient workday can be challenging, especially when you’re already consumed by all the tasks at hand.
To cut down on those feelings and start seeing improvements, narrowing your focus a bit can lead to great results. Here are three tips to get you started.
1. Block Your Time
There are only so many hours in each day and when you’re at work, it’s important to manage your time efficiently. However, that is typically easier said than done. With to-do lists, deadlines, meetings, and everything in between, you’re bound to experience hiccups now and then. Working on blocking your time is a great place to get back on track — and stay there.
It’s also a good idea to think about things that distract you and find a place for them in your time blocking. Do you tend to get caught up in water cooler chatter? Are you tempted to check in on the Cyber Monday sales 2022 when you should be chipping away at your latest project? Do you tend to get hyper-focused on one thing while falling behind in others?
What works for one person won’t work for everyone, but understanding the general idea of time blocking would be a great place to start.
2. Get Control Over Your Inbox
Is your email inbox a thing of chaos? Don’t feel bad if it is — email can be a beast to manage, especially when that’s your main form of communication and your inbox keeps growing by the minute. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to minimize the chaos and streamline it, helping you feel in control and organized.
One of the best things about email management is that it will not only save you time but also help to improve your overall work performance. Who wouldn’t benefit from that?
Since different email programs will vary in their features, set aside some time in your schedule to learn the ins and outs of your program. This will ensure you’re able to utilize different features and options that you might not have even known existed.
3. Prioritize Fresh Air and Movement
Making time for self-care during your workday is more than a healthy thing to do, it’s necessary for your overall productivity and attitude as well. Are you making time for it during your workday?
While it might seem counterproductive to go outside for fresh air and a walk, don’t underestimate the value of doing so. If your job allows it, consider taking calls and meetings outside. Not only does time outdoors work wonders for your psyche but it can also give you the boost you need to power through the day that spending all day indoors will not.
If you work from home, it’s important to hold yourself to the same standards. While it can be very easy to stay inside your comfortable house all day, make getting outdoors non-negotiable. One of the trickiest things about working from home can be falling into a slump due to feeling isolated or unmotivated, which can lead to inconsistencies in your work performance. Even 15 minutes outside will go a long way in realigning your focus and drive.
Focusing on organizing your workday to make it more -friendly and efficient will be time well spent. that nothing is permanent. Treat it as a learning process, allowing yourself room to make changes as you go. Which tip can you see yourself starting with?
