17 Ways to Create the Perfect Workday
It's easy to get overwhelmed by your workdays, but it is possible to
create an environment where you can allow yourself to be more relaxed
and happier. The first step is the realization that you are in control
of your day, and the belief that you can create the perfect workday.
1. Do Less. Learn
to reduce the amount you do -- perhaps you could choose three important
things to achieve each day, the ones that will have the most impact on
your life.
2. Start the day with a relaxing shower or bath. This will get you in a relaxed mood, which is much better than starting the day stressed out.
3. Get in some morning exercise. It will relax you, and gives you a sense of well-being and accomplishment.
4. Create a clutter-free environment. Clutter-free surroundings create a peaceful working environment.
5. Turn off the distractions. This includes phones, email notification, instant messaging, anything that will break into your focus.
6. Take breaks and stretch. Get up, stretch, massage your shoulders, neck and head; it will keep you relaxed throughout the day.
7. Roll with the punches. There will always be things that go wrong. When things get overwhelming, take a step back to get some perspective.
8. Work when it’s quiet.
This may be early in the morning, during your office lunch hour, or
late at night -- choose whatever works for you so that you can get some
solid work in without distractions.
9. Cut back on your commitments. Choose four to five things that are absolutely essential, and then eliminate the rest over time.
10. Focus on the present.
Rather than worrying about what you have to do in the future, or
reliving things that happened in the past, focus on what you’re doing
right now.
11. Single-task. For me, focus is everything. Writing
this article would take twice as long, and be much less peaceful, if I
was constantly interrupted, if I was constantly switching between this
and email and surfing the web and other tasks I have to do. I like to
focus on one task at a time, if possible, and really lose myself in the
writing.
- 12. Take breaks and stretch. While focusing on one
task at a time is important, it’s also important to take breaks when
you can. Get up, stretch, get a glass of water. Massage your shoulders,
neck and head. It keeps you relaxed throughout the day.
- 13. Go for a walk. I also like to take a break and go
for a walk. It helps me get perspective, to think, to get a better
overall picture on my workday and my life. Plus it gets the blood
circulating.
14. Eat lunch in quiet. I’m kind of a shy guy, and
while many people do lunch meetings, I would rather eat at my desk with
a good book or take my sack lunch to a park for a peaceful, meditative
eating break.
15. Do mini-meditations. This doesn’t require a mat or
a temple or soothing tapes or anything. Just sit where you are, close
your eyes, and focus on your breathing — on your breath as it comes
into your body, and then goes out. This helps me to center myself, no
matter what is going on with work.
16. Learn to focus on the present. Related to the
mini-meditations and single-tasking. Basically, instead of worrying
about what you have to do in the future, and instead of reliving things
you did in the past, focus on what you’re doing right now. This can be
difficult, as our minds have a tendency to wander to other things, but
it’s simply a matter of practice - be aware of where your mind is, and
when it drifts to other things, gently bring it back to the present.
This helps keep your mind in a peaceful place all day long.
17. Roll with the punches. There will always be things
that go wrong. What is important is how we react to them — do we go all
Drama Queen, and get stressed and upset? Or do we accept what has
happened, and make a calm decision about what to do now? When things
get overwhelming, take a step back to get some perspective, and realize
that in a few months, none of this will really matter much — and then
take steps to eliminate the non-essential and focus on what’s really
important.
Sources:
Mercola - February 21, 2008
Zen Habits - February 3, 2008