How to Plan for a Stress-Free Workday

September 26, 2018

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There’s no way to really avoid those stressful events that unexpectedly pop up during our workday. Whether it’s losing a client, botching a presentation, running late to a meeting (because another meeting went late), etc., it’s stressful events like these that can quickly turn our otherwise calm days into frantic, nerve-racking days.

Fortunately though, there are ways you can actually cut down on stress throughout your workday. You know how you sometimes may have a particularly busy/stressful day that’s coming up that requires a bit more planning, and a bit more mental preparation? The same approach can be applied towards planning for a stress-free workday. You can actually plan to have a stress-free workday, but it too requires some planning and mental preparation.

Learn how to have a stress-free workday with these 6 straightforward tips.

How to Plan for a Stress-Free Workday

1. Plan your meals the night before. To an extent, how smoothly our day goes is a direct result of how well we’ve planned for it. Thus, taking some of the guesswork out of your daily grind will help to alleviate the stress in your workday. Plan out what you’re going to eat the next day, whether it’s where you plan to pick up food or what you pack for your lunch. By planning ahead, you’ll not only save time, but you’ll also ensure that your day goes a little more smoothly.

2. Carve out time just for answering emails during your workday. If you find that you’re constantly checking your emails and unable to do much else, try setting aside time just for your email. For example, having a 45 minute period to check your email first thing in the morning, and then after lunch will help you to more effectively manage your time, especially if you’re juggling multiple tasks.

3. Pick out your clothes for the next day. Picking out your clothes the day before will also save you time, as well as prevent that stressful morning rush. Take a few minutes the night before work to lay out your clothes. You’ll find that your mornings are a lot calmer when you don’t have to waste extra time trying to figure out what to wear.

4. Have something to look forward to every day. Have you ever gone to bed absolutely dreading the next day and what is to come? Maybe you had a presentation you were stressed about, or maybe you had a stressful meeting you were nervously awaiting. When we’re filled with anxiety like this, it’s easy to forget about all the positives in our lives. Make sure you have something to look forward to every day, whether it’s a mid-morning coffee break with a friend, or a movie you’re seeing tomorrow night. Make sure you always have something you’re looking forward to.

5. Schedule in your breaks. Just as it’s necessary to schedule in those important meetings and events, it’s also just as necessary to work in your breaks throughout the day. Make the time to take breaks so that your brain can rest and recharge. Taking well-timed breaks not only allows your mind to rest, but also ensures that you keep any stress at bay.

6. Keep your workspace tidy. When our workspace is cluttered and messy, it’s easy to get distracted and feel unfocused. This can actually exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety. Prevent unnecessary stress like this by keeping your workspace clean and tidy. Make sure it’s tidied up at the end of each day so that it’s one less thing to worry about when you start work the next morning.