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Maintain a calendar to track how you spend your time and prioritize tasks.
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Use a “launch-and-iterate” approach to optimize routines and identify productive times.
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Break down tasks by imagining an assistant preparing materials to help you get started.
Managing work pressure is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. According to Google productivity advisor Laura Mae Martin, three simple exercises can help employees prioritize tasks and reduce stress.
Firstly, Martin recommends maintaining a calendar to track how you spend your time. Print out your calendar from the past three weeks, highlight your priorities, and adjust your schedule accordingly. This exercise helps identify time-wasting tasks and encourages you to say no to non-essential commitments.
Secondly, Martin suggests using a “launch-and-iterate” approach to optimize routines. Experiment with task timing over two weeks to identify when you’re most productive and align your schedule with your goals. Additionally, Martin recommends a mental exercise to overcome procrastination: imagine having an assistant prepare materials to help you get started. This separates the task from preparation, making it easier to begin.
By implementing these simple strategies, employees can better manage work pressure and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This is particularly important given the recent rise in work-related stress and burnout cases.
