Separate the lists into :
• Deep work ( focused work that requires concentration with no distractions )
• Busy-work ( this can be admin like filing , synching or clearing out your inbox )
• Housework ( something physical and immediately rewarding , like doing some dishes or taking out the trash
• Homework ( this can be your kids ’ homework or your own preparation for tomorrow ’ s tasks )
• You-work ( like being in nature , being mindful or getting some exercise )
Avoid multitasking
“ Divided attention ” is a myth anyway . Your brain can only truly focus on one thing at a time . At the start of your day , block off times for items from each list – and make sure there ’ s a healthy mix . Be mindful of your own rhythms ; if you concentrate better in the morning , schedule that time for deep work , then taper off with items from the other lists as the day goes on .
Set the scene
Define your workspace . During the pandemic that may well be a space in your home . Arrange a spot that ’ s just for working – and then optimise it for comfort . Keep a healthy snack on hand and some fresh , cold water . If you work at a desk , remind yourself to sit up straight or stand up and pace every hour or so . Slouching is for slouches . If you ’ re working remotely , you no longer have the regular morning commute to get yourself geared up for work . Traffic may be frustrating , but it gives you some much-needed alonetime to prepare for your day . Replace the commute with a start-of-day ritual and an end-of-day ritual , like sitting outside and having a cup of tea before you plunge into work .
Don ’ t lose touch with yourself
It can be hard to hold that line between work and your own needs . This is especially true if you ’ re working from home most or all of the time .
The added stress of needing to socially distance means there are some very basic human needs already not being met . You are a complex living system – every part interacts with and profoundly affects the others . It ’ s been a rough 2020 and your brain is dealing with a lot right now . Resist the urge to get frustrated if you feel more fatigued than usual . This is normal . To achieve that after-work glowy satisfaction that makes you feel better about life , the trick is to set small , achievable goals that build your confidence incrementally throughout the day . Like making your bed – if you achieve nothing today , you ’ ve at least done this one thing .
Listen to your body ’ s needs . Eat when you ’ re hungry . Get up when you ’ re stiff . Take a break when you ’ re distracted . Ignoring your body can have dire consequences for your stamina and resilience to stress .
Make a habit of asking yourself ‘ Why ?’ What is the purpose of the task you are working on ? Who benefits from this ? These questions will help you to organise tasks in terms of importance , urgency and personal satisfaction . They have the added benefit of keeping you ‘ present ’ in your task – mindful and focused , instead of anxious and demotivated .
Being a pitiless taskmaster used to be the way things got done , but that ’ s no way to treat yourself . Numerous studies have shown that blind will is actually less productive than mindful , focused work .
Frantically pushing yourself to achieve the impossible actually makes you less likely to succeed and far more likely to burn out .
Remember : every step gets you closer to where you want to be .
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