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FEATURE ARTICLE
10 Ways to Ease Your
Work Load & Reduce Your Stress
1. Prioritize.
Focus on what's
most important and make sure high priority work gets done first. Also,
make sure your priorities are consistent with those of your supervisor.
2. Schedule
your day around those priorities.
Write down your
to-do list and don't get distracted. If that means not answering your
phone or checking emails just once or twice each day, so be it.
3. Learn to
say no.
There's a fine
line between being a cooperative "team player" and someone
who is abused by taking on work that should be done by others or,
perhaps, not even at all. Sticking to your priorities and having a
well-defined job description can help.
4. Don't be
afraid to negotiate.
If someone asks
you to do an extra assignment, say, "I'd be glad to it if you
can get someone else to take the so-and-so project" or "Yes,
I'll take that on, but only if we push back the deadline several weeks."
5. Dare to
delegate.
Is there a task
that could be done more quickly or efficiently by a coworker?
6. Set boundaries
(and stick to them).
For example, make
it a point to never work through lunch or to eat at your desk or take
work home over the weekend. Setting boundaries will help you maintain
a work/life balance that provides you enjoyment, peace and fulfillment
in all aspects of your life.
7. Take advantage
of time management training.
If your company
doesn't offer it, look online or check out your local library.
8. Get the
tools you need to be more efficient.
Are there tools
or software programs available that can make you more efficient and
thereby reduce your workload and stress?
9. Brainstorm
with team members.
If you're overworked,
chances are your coworkers are feeling in over their heads, too. Take
some time to share ideas about how to cope, share the work load or
be more efficient. But, stay positive! Don't let your brainstorming
session turn into a woe-is-me pity party.
10. Ask for
help.
If you're feeling
stressed or depressed about your workload then you owe it to yourself
and your supervisor to voice your concerns. Don't suffer in silence
and let the pressure affect your work performance and relationships
with those you care about at home. If your boss isn't receptive, look
for a mentor, colleague or trusted friend who can serve as a sounding
board and help you find solutions.
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