Declutter your workday

Being organised is a skill that, once mastered, can make your days less stressful and more productive. Here are three ways to declutter your work day:

1 - Keep your workspace tidy

Decluttering your workspace will ensure that you can start your tasks right away rather than first needing to find where everything is. You can do this by storing stationary in a container on your desk and packing your drawers neatly. Wash up used mugs, plates, and cutlery and avoid leaving them around on your desk. You may need to also consider digital clutter as this may cause your desktop to run more slowly. Try scheduling 5 minutes at the end of every day to get rid of the day’s clutter. This one tiny habit can have an outsized effect on your productivity.

2 - Manage your schedule

For most people, the mid-morning is the most productive time of the day. Try to schedule uninterrupted blocks of ‘deep work’ around this time. Turn off all notifications for an hour or two and watch your productivity soar. If possible, meetings can be left for the afternoon hours when we experience a natural dip in energy and concentration. A carefully planned schedule minimises the ‘brain clutter’ that can leave you feeling very busy even though you aren’t achieving much progress. Consistency is key when it comes to decluttering your schedule and becoming a productivity powerhouse.

3 - Introduce balance

At times, a work-life balance can be difficult to manage, but it is a crucial component in preventing burnout. The saying, “work hard, play hard” holds a lot of truth in achieving work-life balance. Although it isn’t always possible and may depend on your line of work, try to stick to your work hours and attend to all after-hours emails and tasks the next working day. Don’t forget to take time for yourself and do activities that fulfil your life.

Organising your day by decluttering your workspace and calendar while maintaining a healthy work-life balance will minimise time wasted at the start of each day. You’ll soon be feeling less stressed and more in control. Remember, like any other skill, being organised is one that needs time and practice.