Work Tips

In case you didn’t know, today (June 2nd) is National Leave Work Early Day. First of all, I want to know who came up with this holiday and ask them why they didn’t make it a Friday. Most people I know would want an early start to the weekend. If you decide to take part in National Leave Work Early Day or not, here are a few tips to help get you through your workday.

1. Take Breaks

If your job allows you to take breaks, use them! Our brains aren’t meant to be engaged with work for long periods of time. Ignoring a break may lead to decreased productivity, difficulty focusing, or even burnout. If you get a “break time,” take a moment to step away from your computer, desk, or workspace. Use the time to go for a walk, re-hydrate, or chat with a co-worker. The same goes for a lunch break. While it may be tempting to send those few emails during lunch, use that time for a mid-day reset however that makes sense for you. Maybe that looks like taking a mid-day run, eating a homemade sandwich, or meditating for a few minutes.

2. Create a Ritual

Especially in a work-from-home environment, the lines of work and home can become blurry. It can be hard to transition into “work mode” while sitting at the dining table. By creating a ritual or routine before or after work, you can help signal your brain that it’s time for that transition. This routine can be as simple as going for a quick walk as your “commute,” lighting a candle during work hours, or starting your morning with your favorite song. Anything that gets your mind into “work mode” can become a ritual or routine. For those going into work, your daily commute can act as that signal, or maybe it’s that cup of coffee you pour into that special travel mug that you use every day. Through these habits, your brain will begin to associate the ritual with work and help you enter a working mindset.

3. Find Your Way

When we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we can lose sight of our purpose. Sometimes we have to step back and reflect on our “why.” Why did we choose this work? What makes us excited to engage in this job? Is it the people? Do you enjoy helping others? Does the money allow you to provide for your family? What’s your reason for going to work?

Another way to reflect on the positives of work when we’re struggling is to keep a “happy document.” A happy document can be a journal, Word Doc, or a note on your phone where you keep track of the happy experiences you’ve had at work. Things you may include could be a note from a co-worker, a memory of a positive experience with a customer, or a time you accomplished something. Looking back on our positive experiences can help remind us of the good days.

4. Put First Things First

Some days, our work to-do list can be longer than the grocery list. You may look at your tasks for the day, dreading that one email or conversation you have to have. Start your day by deciding which tasks are the most important and least time-consuming. Do those first. Gain some momentum by taking care of a few smaller tasks first, replying to emails, checking voicemail, etc. Then decide which other tasks have to be done today, which tasks can you pass off to someone else, and which tasks can you spread out over time.