Multitasking is nothing new. It seems that we are being faced with more and more periods of being rushed off our feet, facing back-to-back appointments, tasks, and projects. The rush never ends, and you might find yourself struggling with handling it all at once.
We know the struggle well, which is why we have put together all the best tips and tasks for managing your tasks better.
To-Do List
The overwhelm of a busy day can be reduced when you jot down everything you need to get one. When you do this, it’s like you transfer a bit of your stress to the paper, and you can objectively see what you actually have on.
Often, you might notice that you actually have less on, and it all seems a little more manageable. As you go through your day, cross them off as you get them done, and the satisfaction of it will keep you coming back for more every day.
When we are so busy, it’s easy to forget tasks, even important ones because our brain can feel so frazzled. A to-do list keeps you on top of everything you have to get done and ensures that you do.
Plan Your Day
Spend a few minutes each day, making your to-do list and then scheduling it. This might not work for everyone, because we will achieve things differently.
But however you work best, schedule your day as much as you can around that. For example, if you do your best work in the morning. Schedule all your most important and complex tasks for them.
You can tackle and move on to easier tasks in the afternoon when your battery is not as juiced. If you have to tackle difficult tasks, then, you might find that it’s a lot more stressful and hectic.
Pomodoro Technique
This technique is one of the greatest time management methods available. It proposes that we work best when we do 25 minutes of work and then take a 3-5 minute break. This should be done four times.
Once you’ve done four 25 minutes, take a break for 15-30 minutes. You can then return to 25 minutes of working/2-5 min break. Every four periods take a longer break.
You should do this until your task is done, or you’ve done your work for the day.
Although it seems like you would be the most productive when you work consistently, taking small breaks helps you focus and perform better This is one technique of many, you can use project management tools, calendar reminders, or applications to block certain sites for a period of time. Everyone works differently, so whatever your vice or productivity block, find a technique or method that will make your day smoother.
Our brain cannot function with such intense focus for long periods of time, so these breaks help your brain to relax. You can then be a lot more productive with a recharged brain.
Prioritize Movement
This is not directly related to managing your tasks, however, it will have a big impact. By prioritizing movement, you give your brain and body a chance to rejuvenate.
A relaxed and healthy mind and body are much more likely to be more productive and much less stressed. Oftentimes, the stress we feel contributes to not being able to complete tasks in time rather than our ability to complete the task.
If you are not a regular exerciser, consider adding in small periods of movement throughout the day. You might for a 10-minute walk before your workday, 15 minutes during lunch hour, and 10 after work.
This is merely an example, it’s just important to have some kind of movement in your day.
Just Do It
If you are faced with looming tasks and deadlines that you haven’t done. The best remedy for this situation is to feel the fear and do it anyway.
Once it’s done, you’ll find that it probably wasn’t that hard in the first place. Our minds can sometimes make things seem much larger and scarier than they actually are.
Switch Off
Once your workday is done, or you’ve completed all your tasks. Ensure you completely switch off.
If your brain is fully turned even when you aren’t working, it will be hard for you to switch off and rest. Without adequate rest you will wake up the next day physically and mentally tired, contributing to another stress and overwhelm. The circle continues and as this goes on, it will become less and less sustainable.
Use these tips and tricks to help manage your task and time more effectively. It can easily spiral out of control, so implement these tips as soon as you can to gain control.
Ensure you are resting enough when you get the chance, this could be napping, taking long soaks, or watching your favorite show.
