Latest news with #timeblocking
Forbes
5 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
4 Simple Routines for Managing Stress at Work
Cut work stress with simple routines like time blocking, weekly wins tracking, and scheduling ... More moments of joy—small steps that make a big difference. Have you ever had the feeling that your workday begins before you're ready and ends much later than it should? In today's fast-paced work environment, stress has become a constant companion for many professionals. In fact, according to a study by Headspace, 77% of employees say work-related stress has taken a toll on their physical health. Whether you're working remotely, in an office, or juggling multiple roles, the pressure to meet deadlines, stay productive, and maintain a work-life balance can be overwhelming. Fortunately, implementing a few simple routines can significantly reduce this stress and help you manage your day more effectively. Here are four easy strategies you can start using today to stay on top of your work without letting stress take over your life. Time Block To Structure Your Day One of the most effective ways to reduce stress at work is through time blocking, also known as calendaring. This involves planning your day in advance and allocating specific time slots for various tasks, meetings, and even breaks. The key here is not just filling your calendar, but doing so intentionally, with room for flexibility. By mapping out your day each morning or the day before, you create a structure that makes it easier to focus. You won't waste mental energy figuring out what to do next, and you can avoid the stress of last-minute scrambling. Always leave buffer time in your schedule. Unforeseen events, urgent tasks, or a longer-than-expected meeting can quickly derail your entire day if you haven't accounted for them. For instance, if you block time for focused work from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., consider adding a 15-minute breather before your next meeting. This helps you regroup and reduces the anxiety that comes with running behind schedule. By regularly updating and reviewing your calendar, you create a more predictable and manageable workday. Use A Project Management Tool To Keep Deadlines Organized Nothing contributes to work-related stress like forgotten tasks or missed deadlines. That's where a project management tool comes in handy. Whether you prefer digital platforms like Trello, Asana, Notion, or ClickUp, these tools allow you to organize your work, set priorities, and track your progress all in one place. A good project management tool makes it easier to break large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks, assign deadlines, and visualize your workload. Instead of relying on memory or a cluttered inbox, everything you need is clearly laid out in front of you. This alone can eliminate a huge portion of work stress caused by disorganization or poor time management. To make the most of these tools, set aside a specific time at the start of your workweek to review your upcoming tasks and deadlines. Make sure everything is up to date and realistic. The peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly what's on your plate can dramatically lower your stress levels. Consistently Add To Your Brag Sheet Stress often stems from the feeling that we're not accomplishing enough or that our work is going unnoticed. Combat this by maintaining a brag sheet or a document where you record your wins and achievements, no matter how big or small. This could be a Google Doc, a note on your phone, or even a handwritten journal. At the end of each week, jot down what you achieved, whether they are finished projects, positive feedback, problem-solving moments, or handling a tough conversation well. Over time, this collection of accomplishments becomes a tangible reminder of your growth and capabilities. Not only does this practice help build your confidence, but it also comes in handy during performance reviews or job interviews. It provides a mental shift away from focusing only on what's next or distinguishing what went wrong to recognizing what went well. That perspective can go a long way in reducing work-related anxiety. Schedule Fun Activities During The Week Lastly, remember that work is only one part of your life. One of the most overlooked stress-management strategies is to deliberately schedule non-work-related activities not only on weekends but also during the week. These could be as simple as grabbing coffee with a friend, going for a walk in the park, attending a yoga class, or spending an evening reading a book you enjoy or watching a good movie. These moments serve as pressure-release valves, giving your brain a chance to reset. If your calendar is filled only with work obligations, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and burned out. But if you treat fun the same way you treat meetings, it becomes a priority and not an afterthought. Think of these activities as 'appointments with yourself.' They not only help you recharge but also give you something to look forward to, which can be incredibly motivating during a stressful workweek. Managing stress at work doesn't require drastic changes. It's about adopting smart, consistent habits. By incorporating these four routines into your weekly rhythm, you can transform your approach to work and significantly reduce the stress that comes with it.
Forbes
17-06-2025
- Forbes
Why 58% of Workers Use Time Blocking Daily
Calendar app on tablet computer time blocking or timeboxing As more workers look for ways to bring balance between productivity and wellbeing in their day-to-day lives, timeboxing or blocking off time in their calendar helps protect their focus time. According to the 2024 Owl Labs State of Hybrid Work report, 58% of hybrid workers use time blocking to be in control of their day and protect it from imposed meetings. In a workplace filled with constant notifications, blurred work-life boundaries, and shifting priorities, the ability to intentionally structure your time has become essential, not just for getting more done, but for protecting your well-being. Employees at all levels are finding that they are constantly checking their emails, responding to Slack messages, or switching tasks, leaving aside complex tasks that may be even more desirable, engaging, and satisfying, but require intense focus time. Owl Labs reports show that millennials, in particular, are blocking their calendars notably more than any other generation: 57% of millennials block their calendar, compared to 14% of Gen Z, 22% of Gen X, and 7% of baby boomers. On the other hand, 64% of full-time office workers timebox, compared to 28% of hybrid workers and 8% of full-time remote workers. It makes sense to me, as I started timeboxing when I was working in-office. Open spaces are great for collaboration for some people, but they are terrible for focus and deep work for others. It's nearly impossible to have uninterrupted time for yourself or to do what really matters to you. To enjoy your work and maintain productivity, quality, and well-being, you need to prioritize your 'me' time. Your calendar is your primary tool to navigate this demanding environment. Time blocking is the practice of dividing your day into chunks of focused time dedicated to specific tasks, allowing you to plan your day proactively. For example: It's like scheduling a meeting with yourself to do what you think is essential first. To me, it's like having a live to-do list. I like to use timeboxes of 45 minutes to allow for some buffer time and a quick break. By blocking time for specific tasks, you can: Many people try time blocking once and give up because they make it too rigid. The key is flexibility with structure. Here are four tips to get started: In my book Timebox, I highlight that time blocking isn't about achieving more but focusing on what truly matters, all while emphasizing clarity and self-care. The objective is to find a balance between productivity and wellbeing, not making sure you are using every single second available to work. Effective time management encompasses more than just tips and tools; it requires cultivating harmony between your external responsibilities and internal feelings. By prioritizing balance and being mindful of your self-talk, you can change time management from a battle against the clock into a collaborative effort with yourself. If you find yourself falling behind on a task, instead of thinking, 'I'm so disorganized,' try saying, 'I did my best with the time I had. Where can I improve next time?' and remind yourself of the progress you've made. When overwhelmed, consider asking, 'What's one thing I can do today, letting go of the rest?'.Self compassion involves not letting you off the hook, but rather intentionally scheduling the task for later. Remember, time management is not about doing everything you planned every day, but about doing what is more important for you so that at the end of the day, you feel satisfied. If you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or trapped in a cycle of reaction, it could be the right moment to explore how you can incorporate time blocking like 58% of your colleagues are already doing.
