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At this time of the year, life is hectic for many of us. You might have a massive to-do list at work, as you try to cope with increased demand, and get ready for some time off over the holidays, but you might also have a lot going on at home. It’s often the most fun periods that are the busiest and lead to the most stress.
You might feel as though things are getting out of control, and that you can’t manage to get everything done, or at least that you can’t manage everything without the quality of your work slipping. Struggling on like this can affect your mental health, your mood, and your business. Instead of giving up, or letting the stress of a hectic period get the better of you, let these hacks help you keep on top of things, at home, and at work.
The list is as follows
Write Lists
Lists are a powerful tool when it comes to organizing and managing your time, but they only work if you stick to them. Write your to-do list for the day in the morning, or the night before, and stick to it. If something extra comes in that’s going to take less than five minutes, do it there and then, without disrupting your list. If it’s going to take longer, find space for it later in the day, or even week depending on how important it is.
Learn to Delegate
Do you have to do everything on your list? Could you delegate, or even outsource some tasks? If you can’t delegate at work, think of some household tasks that you could get help with, so at least you can rest when you get in.
Operate a One in One Out Policy
When your to-do list is going crazy, try to stick to a one in, one out policy. This way, you can’t add anything to it until you complete something else.
Use Scheduling Tools
There’s plenty that you can schedule using the best scheduling apps. Schedule meetings for the best times. Schedule social media posts, emails, and web content. Then, look at automating processes so that every time you complete one job, another happens automatically, without you having to put in any effort at all.
Scheduling can help you to stay on top of things when you’ve got a huge to-do list and a lot going on, but it can also be beneficial in freeing up your time for more important tasks, and even giving you the chance to take a break from time to time.
Break Up the Big Tasks
Breaking up bigger tasks can make it seem as though you’ve got more to do, but several smaller tasks can be easier to manage, and less intimidating than one overwhelming task. It can also make it easier to delegate elements and to manage your time effectively.
Stick to Your Good Habits
If you have good habits, like spending 10 minutes a day on invoicing or admin or carrying out certain jobs on specific days, try to stick to them even when things are hectic, otherwise you are making life harder for yourself down the line.
Be Mindful of Your Time
When things are hectic, be more mindful of how you are using your time, and how long you are taking to do things. Ask yourself where you could save time, or when you could better use your time by multitasking.
Eliminate Decision Making Time
How many minutes a day do you waste making often unimportant decisions? When things are busier than usual, get into the habit of trusting your instincts and making decisions quickly, even if it means taking a risk or two.
Keep Things Tidy
Something as simple as tidying your desk can make it easier to find things, reducing stress and saving time. While hectic times can be challenging, they are often positive and can see our businesses grow and develop and our income multiply. Remember why you are doing what you do, and remind yourself that things will invariably calm down soon. Until then, let these hacks make life easier.
