I’ve been talking with folks a lot lately about their Routines.  We often talk about morning or bedtime routines, to make those times run more smoothly.  But we can also create Get To Work or Leaving Work routines, to make those times run more smoothly, too!

We’ve all had those busy days!  Once you start your work day, you may have a hard time stopping.  So, this week, let’s think about how organize the start and of our work day to stress less and get more done!

I know, this may sound counter-intuitive, but focus on Yourself for the first few minutes you’re at work.  And if that means you also need to arrive a few minutes early, that will be time well spent.

First things first,

• Grab your cup of coffee or tea, and refill your reusable water bottle.
• Unpack your work from your work bag (if you carried any with you) and chill your lunch.
• Hang up your work bag, your coat, your umbrella and whatever else you bring with you every day.  Clip your car keys in the proper spot (in your bag, on your purse, in your pocket) so that you can find them again when it’s time to go!
• Take a couple of deep breaths.
• Now, and only now, look at your task list, email or workload for the day.  Pick your three most important tasks and make a space on today’s schedule for progress on those tasks.  Then jump in!

Last 5 things:

• Review today.  Appreciate your accomplishments, and then…
• Leave yourself notes about tomorrow, to make tomorrow’s transitions go that much more smoothly!
• Clean up your work space.  File your papers, put your stuff away, and lock up anything that needs to be kept safe or confidential.
• Take a few more deep breaths!
• Check that short list of vitally important items that I wrote about a few weeks ago – Phone / Keys / Bag / Lunch bag / Water bottle (and what ever else you need)?  And head out the door!

Conquering these super busy times of your work day will help you work better and feel less stressed throughout your day!