How can you stay productive – at work and at life – without getting burned out from having too much to do and too little time?
The answer lies in making smart choices when it comes to optimizing your brain power and energy resolve.
Master time management.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you may tend to avoid all you have to get done. Rather than take this path to inevitable disaster, find a way to manage those things more effectively.
- Train yourself to know how much time an activity requires. Then you can make real progress, instead of just keeping busy, but not getting anything truly valuable accomplished.
- Keep a detailed calendar. This should not just be for work commitments, but also for your personal life. Be sure to schedule time for yourself each day.
- Block off “do not disturb” time. It’s a lot like putting that little hanger outside your hotel room door. Actively make yourself unavailable so you can work on high-priority assignments. Switch off your phone and email notifications, close your door or move into a quiet area, and eliminate any other distractions.
- It’s easy to get so wrapped up in checking items off your list that you don’t consider lessening your burden by delegating some tasks to others. This can be mutually beneficial. Your employees can learn new skills, take on new responsibilities and grow in their own jobs, while at the same time easing your workload.
Know how your brain works.
The human brain functions differently at different times during the day. Tune into your own circadian rhythm, better known as your biological clock. By doing so, you can maximize your energy to do certain things earlier or later. Typical patterns for many people look like this:
- Mornings: The quiet time before things get busy can be good for deep work that demands a lot of concentration. Scientists have identified this peak performance time as roughly two to four hours after a person wakes up. It can be an ideal time for the analytical brain to complete the most complex tasks, such as reading new material, studying or problem solving.
- Afternoons: This can be a good time for collaborating, holding meetings, brainstorming and working on group projects
- Evenings: Generally, the brain begins to slow down after about 6 p.m. Rather than worrying about deadlines, use this time for creative thinking and contemplating the big picture.
Stay energized.
The best way to maintain a steady energy level is to exercise on a regular basis. This not only improves your health, but also enhances your brain’s cognitive performance, problem-solving ability and long-term memory.
- Even short periods of exercise are helpful. Try a 15-minute morning yoga routine or a 20-minute walk or run for starters. Figure out whatever it takes to kick start your fitness routine.
As you build your career, it’s critical to keep your energy and productivity levels high. If you’re stuck in a role where you feel the effects of burnout, life can be especially challenging. Have you thought about working with a professional career coach to help get things back on track? To learn more about this option, or what your next step might be, contact PrideStaff Modesto today.
