Everyone has frustrating days at work sometimes. The day can feel like time is simultaneously moving too slowly and too quickly, and you feel like you never have time to accomplish everything you want to. Thankfully, there are numerous small changes you can apply to your work day that will make your time at the workplace easier and less stressful. With the right time management and basic adjustments, you can make your job fun, efficient and something you are excited to wake up every morning to do. Check out these seven tips for making your time at the workplace less stressful.
1. Stay Organized
If your job requires you to work at a computer, having all of your documents in one place can make the tasks much easier. Make use of document management software, which will streamline your files and will keep your tasks neat and organized. Organization applies to the physical space as well. Whether you use a computer or not, keeping everything you need in one place will prevent stress. Just like keeping your bedroom at home neat can help clear your mind, keeping your workstation neat and clear of clutter will help you stay focused as well as organized. Get rid of anything that may distract you or keep you from doing your job, and you will be able to stay on task.
2. Make a To-Do List
You can better stay on task if you have all of your day’s assignments written out on paper or in a file. By making a to-do list before you start working, you can paint a clear picture of the day in your mind. This approach will help you understand your goals for the day and will keep you from getting sidetracked or missing tasks. Checking off each item on your list can also be a satisfying feeling that can make you realize just how much work you are getting done. This itself is a good incentive for making a list, as it will give you that boost in confidence you need to take on your work.
3. Work on the Most Important Tasks First
When you compile a to-do list, keeping things organized from most important to least important will help prioritize your schedule. For instance, prioritize the things that are critical or time-sensitive and tackle those tasks first. By organizing your schedule in this way, you will take care of things that most need to be done before they get out of hand. This in turn will minimize stress when you get the important or difficult items out of the way first.
4. Plan Meetings
Joining a meeting where nothing gets accomplished can feel like a waste of time, or worse, can keep you from attending to important work. Much like you should plan out your day’s tasks, plan out what you want to do in the scheduled meetings. Make a list of questions you want to ask, topics you want to discuss and other things of that nature. If things get sidetracked, try to put things back on track by asking a relevant question on your list.
5. Utilize Your Time Well
Time is valuable, so use it to your advantage when you can. Do you have multiple small tasks that can be done quickly? Try to take them all out at once if you can. By doing this, you will get things done quicker and give you more time to work on the bigger assignments. When organizing a list of tasks to accomplish, try to make an estimate of how much time each task will take so you can plan out your time and use your hours wisely.
6. Work With Your Team
Creating a friendly atmosphere in your workplace can make the days easier and your time at work feel fun and rewarding. Make friends with your coworkers, ask them questions about your job, and keep a rapport going to have the mood stay light and pleasant. If you and your coworkers like working with one another, then you can make the job easier by getting help when you need it, and likewise helping out your clients when they need it.
7. Add Personality to Your Work Station
Adding a bit of flavor to your work station can keep the mood light and make you feel at home. If you are able to, add some art to your wall, or a plant on your desk, or a picture of your family, or any object that brings a bit of your personality to your work. This will help the workplace feel less sterile and more welcoming for you.
From the practical to the fun, these ways can make your work day smooth. Stay on task and keep the mood light, as this can help reduce stress at the workplace.
