How to Get Through a Stressful Day at Work
Creating a list of tasks for an upcoming workday may prevent unnecessary stress. Concentrating on one task at a time -- instead of worrying about an entire project -- also provides some stress relief. If a task requires more than one person, delegate responsibility to associates who can work with minimal supervision, allowing everyone in the group to focus on completing their own tasks as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Write down the tasks that you need to accomplish during the upcoming workday. List tasks in the order of desired completion. Place a start time and a finish time next to each item. Make an allowance for tasks that might require more time than you projected.
-
2
Determine if you need help to complete any of your listed tasks. Plan to accomplish each item without any assistance, in case no one is available to help you. If you do find someone to help, you have more time to work on other listed tasks. When you feel confident with your task strategy, get plenty of rest so that you will have enough energy for the upcoming workday.
-
-
3
Arrive to work early to get a head start on your assignments. Email the associates with whom you plan to work on your tasks or leave a note on each one's desk, indicating that he should contact you. Follow up with associates who do not respond to your message.
-
4
Assign a task to each associate who helps you. Set a deadline for each task and ensure that each person understands the importance of staying on schedule. Work on your own assignments; take a short break if you start to experience any stress. Use the break to find out if your associates need any guidance from you for their assignments.
-
5
Watch the clock to stay on schedule as you work through the task list. Contact your associates at least once every hour to follow up on their progress. Review each assignment that an associate completes, checking for errors or possible additions. Cross tasks off the list once you approve of the completed work. Reschedule any uncompleted tasks to the next day or continue to work until you finish each task.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Assign easier tasks to your associates. Reserve harder tasks for yourself to save on follow-up time.
Do not put off a task if you cannot complete it; instead, revise your schedule to allow more time to finish it.
