On 10 October, it’s World Mental Health Day so we thought we’d dedicate this week’s blog to writing about how your productivity at work and mental health are linked. Here are some tips on gaining control of your life.
Write to-do lists
As you know, we love a to-do list! It may seem like an obvious suggestion to write down what you need to do each day, but this will help you prioritise what’s important. Try to only write down what you can achieve that day, rather than a long list of tasks.
While to-do lists help you feel more organised, the key is to not take on too much. This can lead to ‘toxic productivity’ when you try to ‘have it all’ which can cause stress and anxiety.
Build good habits
A productive workday shouldn’t mean being glued to your desk all day trying to get through your long list of tasks. If you want to be more productive, it’s important to look after your body and your mind too - after all, how can you properly focus on your work if you’re hungry, tired or stressed?
Create good habits like taking regular breaks, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly (even if it’s just a short walk outside), eating good food and maybe even writing a journal to help you manage your thoughts and emotions.
Manage your time
If you feel like your diary is getting out of control, this can make you feel overwhelmed and anxious. Take small steps to better organise your calendar and manage your time.
Some people find time blocking helps, which involves assigning each task a time. This can give you a deadline to work towards and help you manage your priorities better.
Stop multitasking
If you have a long list of tasks to do, it can be very tempting to try and juggle various jobs at one time. While this may feel like you’re getting through more things, it may end up taking you longer than if you just focussed on finishing one thing at a time.
You’re also more likely to complete it to a higher standard - and there’s no better feeling than ticking something off your list and moving onto the next task!
Set achievable goals
As we mentioned earlier, to be productive requires being realistic about your time and what you can actually achieve. If you have a big project to complete, make sure to allocate enough time for it and consider this when taking on other work.
Maybe break your work down into smaller tasks each day. Making goals that are realistic gives you more control over your life and you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed. It will also help you feel more successful when you tick off your goals.
Sort out your priorities
It can be very hard to stay focussed when you have a lot on your plate, but if you prioritise what is important to you, then you are more likely to feel a sense of achievement at the end of the day.
This could be aiming for a good work-life balance, not compromising on your morals when it comes to taking on new business or achieving certain goals. Prioritising what is important will give you a sense of achievement and a sense of pride in your work and homelife.
The Arts News
Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey have been appointed co-artistic directors at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). They will start in their roles from June 2023.
Carrie Hope Fletcher and Jamie Muscato will play Guy and Girl in a concert staging of Once next spring. The production will take place at The London Palladium on 12 March 2023.
Get in touch!
If you have any questions about how you can work with The Arts VA, you can contact Charlie here. Did you find these tips useful? You can read more advice to help you get the best out of your work and home life in these blogs: