How to Survive a Hectic Workweek

We’ve all faced situations where we headed into a week knowing our time would be maxed out and it would be hard to get everything done.  The hectic workweek.  It can sap our productivity and energy if we let it.  Here are ten tips to help you stay on top of a crazy work schedule.

1. Assess Your Needs and Goals – If you know exactly what you need to accomplish this week, and what can be delayed for another time, you’ll have a clearer picture of your expectations.

2. Create a Plan of Action – Break the crazy big picture into smaller achievable steps. Then you’ll know what you need to tackle and an approximate time frame for getting it accomplished.

3. Delegate if You Can – Maybe this even means delegating something from your personal life, instead of a work-related task. Can a spouse or friend or local nearby restaurant cook dinner for you tonight instead of trying to do everything?

4. Stay Hydrated – Even mild dehydration can cause mental and physical fatigue. Stick with water or juices, and plenty of them!

5. Take a Moment for Yourself – A soak in the tub. A moment of prayer or meditation. A hot cup of herbal tea. Something that feeds your soul and refreshes your mind can help renew your outlook.

6. Watch the Strain on Your Body – Sitting at a computer or desk, can strain your body. You can’t work well Thursday if you’ve cricked your neck on Tuesday! Stand up and do some gentle stretching every 50-60 minutes to give your body a chance to recover.

7. Communicate With Loved Ones in Advance – I find my children are very understanding when I communicate ahead of time. “This week I have a big project to finish up so I’m going to be working very hard, and might be home late. Saturday I’ll be done and we can celebrate together.”

8. Involve Your Family’s Help – Along with communicating, touch base with them throughout the week as you conquer problems.  They will help keep things in perspective.  

9. Beware the Multi-Tasking Muddle! Sometimes it is tempting to get out every report, open every tab, or spread out all the material you need to work on.  But multi-tasking can be stressful and cloud your mind from doing it’s best work.  Focus on one task at a time.

10. Set Clear Boundaries – Sometimes you may need to turn away a new client or job in order to focus on the one you’re currently working with.  Or be upfront about your schedule and say, “I’d love to take on this new project and can begin in two weeks.” By keeping your boundaries clear you’ll preserve your energy, health and sanity.

Angela England is a freelance writer, Founder of Untrained Housewife and Editor-in-Chief of Blissfully Domestic. As a work-from-home mother of four children she is a master of hectic workweeks.