When personal and workplace stress feels all consuming, there are many small steps you can take to regain control over yourself and your time. Your efforts to maintain a sense of self-control in stressful situations will often be well-received by everyone you encounter at home or at work. Here are some suggestions for reducing daily stress:

Time Management Tips for reducing stress

• Start the day on time - Try to leave earlier in the morning. Even 10-15 minutes can make the difference between frantically rushing to your desk and having time to ease into your day.
• Create a daily plan - Plan your day before it unfolds. Do it in the morning or even better, the night before you sleep. The plan gives you a good overview of how the day will pan out. Do your best to stick to the plan as closely as possible.
• Balance your schedule - Try to find a balance between work and family life, social activities and self. Be mindful that downtime is essential to minimizing stress.
• Set a time limits - Finish X task by 10am, Y task by 3pm, and Z item by 5:30pm. Again, do your best to stick to the schedule.
• Prioritize tasks - Make a list of tasks you have to do, and tackle them in order of importance. If you have something particularly unpleasant to do, get it over with early.
• Break large projects into small steps - Focus on one manageable step at a time.
• Delegate responsibility - Let it go! You don’t have to do it all yourself. If there are things that can be better done by others, consider delegating. This takes some the stress off and allows you to focus on important tasks.
• Learn to say “No”- Don’t take on more than you can handle. Avoid scheduling things back-to-back or trying to fit too much into one day. For the distractions that come in when you’re doing other things, give a firm no. Or defer it to a later period.
• Take breaks - Make sure to take short breaks throughout the day to take a walk or sit back and clear your mind. Try to get away from your desk or work station for lunch. Short breaks can relax and recharge helping you be more productive.

Even the most diligent planners sometimes find themselves facing a deadlines or a meeting for which they are not prepared. We lead quick paced, busy lives, making it imperative to stay on top of things for the best possible results. There is no good outcome for the pressures of feeling behind. So, use these simple tips to keep above it all. Your co-worker and family members will thank you later.