How to Beat Deadline Stress

A few simple ideas to help lessen deadline related stress.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Learn to Focus:
   
   If you're working on a project, don't answer the phone, don't surf the internet and set aside a few specific times in the day for checking your email.

2. Be Realistic:
   
   If you are stressed your brain loses it's ability to work as effectively. If you are juggling several projects, as your manager to help assign priority to each one. Determine which projects are most urgent and start there.

3. Reward Yourself:
   
   When working under a deadline, you're more likely to finish on time if you have something to look forward to at the end of the day. If you have a 5pm deadline, plan to take a 6 pm yoga class or meet your buddies at the pub, or perhaps set a dinner date. When you're driven by anticipation instead of fear of missing the deadline, you'll work more efficiently.

[JMKIT]

on 2/20/2008 Good advice!