If at all possible, give yourself one or two days off per week (on weekends or otherwise). This will give you an opportunity to rest and to engage in non-work-related activities. Ask your employer if your work schedule can be flexible. [2] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source For example, you may be able to follow a schedule that works better for your family or personal life, such as going to work earlier and leaving later. Similarly, you may be able to work on a compressed schedule that entails the same number of hours per week but with one day off.
Let your supervisor know your boundaries. If he or she asks you to do a task that is outside of your duties, try saying something like: “I appreciate that you trust me with the responsibility of X task, but I don’t think that my position is the right one to take care of that. ” Offer to discuss any new work assignments, and thank your supervisor when the boundaries of your job duties are considered. Even if a task seems like it’s relevant to your job duties, or even if you would like to help your employer or coworker, respectfully say no if you already have a lot to do and need some personal time. Remember that not every opportunity is a great opportunity, or one that makes sense for your private or professional life.
If you find yourself not even having enough time to finish the most important tasks, talk to your supervisor about whether or not you are being asked to do too much. Set aside time specifically for work. When possible, try to work around “focus times. ” Give yourself a set period of time (such as an hour or an hour and a half) in which you will work deliberately and without distractions. Don’t be a perfectionist—no one gets everything right every time. Focus on doing your work as best you can, accept when you make mistakes, and learn from them.
Avoid checking your personal email, text messages and home voice mail while working. These activities steal time away from your productivity and, in many cases, can be taken care of after work hours. Limit the time you spend online. Avoid surfing the Internet, checking social networking sites or posting on discussion forums related to personal matters. Save private conversations with coworkers for lunchtime and other breaks. Recognize the limits of your concentration. Most people can’t concentrate on a task for more than 90 minutes without a break. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Interruptions can also reduce your ability to concentrate. Be persistent if people try to pull you away from your work. For instance, if people distract you by chatting, tell them you have work that you’ve got to finish, but you’d love to catch up with them later.
Try making a 30-day effort to resist procrastination. If you know you have a problem with procrastination, then make it a point to resist it for a month. Doing so can give you a foundation for long-term success and a strong work ethic.
Understand what work information needs to remain confidential—your employer may not want you to mention certain work projects, practices, etc. in public or on social media. Keep it clean. If your grandmother would not want to see or read it, don’t post it. Don’t post offensive or extremist content. Interact with colleagues or coworkers when they are present on social media.
Do I feel like I have any time for myself? Is every minute of everyday scheduled for something? How much of that schedule is filled by work-related tasks? Have I missed family or community events because I was trying to catch up on work? How often do I bring work home with me?
Set a time limit on business communications at home. If you must check work email and messages while at home, designate a specific, limited amount of time for this. Ask coworkers not to call you with business-related matters on your day off. Leave thoughts about work at work. When at home, focus on family matters, hobbies and personal interests. Limit discussions of work matters at home and when speaking to friends.
Take up a hobby Make time for non-work friends Take vacations or “stay-cations” Set aside time for non-work activities you enjoy (seeing movies, going for a walk, etc. ) Share hobbies, games, etc. with family Exercise
If you are good friends with your coworkers, consider establishing a rule to discuss work only during office hours.
