I work with people all the time that are trying to manage overwhelm and find more fulfillment in multiple areas of their lives. Often, small tweaks here and there can have a bigger impact than you think. Here are some simple workday changes you can try.
- Consider a stand-up desk or take several 5-minute walks around your office or home each day; ideally every hour. Movement boosts your energy and (in my opinion) begets more movement. I find myself much more likely to workout at the end of the day if I’ve been more active as opposed to sitting most of the day.
- Take 15 minutes at the end of the day to set yourself up for the next. Review your calendar, pull any files you need, etc. Use this time to do whatever activities are going to make you feel like you start the day off on the right foot. For me, it’s cleaning my workspace and reviewing my calendar. Again, it doesn’t take a lot of time but it’s such a big impact.
- Take at least one 10-minute recharge at some point during the day. Here’s the catch: no screens! Many people are go-go-go, working through lunch, and running to the restroom at sprinter speed. And I get it – some days are like that. But it’s not sustainable every day. Some ideas: make and sip a cup of coffee while looking out the window, listen to a meditation, go outside, take a quick walk indoor or outdoor, close your eyes and listen to your favorite song.
- Have something in your workspace that makes you smile. It’s nice to glance at something that gives you joy. For many, that’s a photo, but it can also be an object. For example, I have a pen holder that my daughter gifted me. It’s funky and it brings me joy.
- Start block scheduling. If your job allows, put time on your calendar for tasks you need to get done even if there is no official meeting or appointment involved. It helps you keep deadlines, avoid procrastination, and you feel better knowing you have a time set to work on something rather than it just hanging over your head.
