7. Use Your “OOO Message” strategically
Who said your OOO autoresponder was just for vacations? Use this autoresponder for specific projects. I’m working on a project and will dedicate my mornings (9-12 am) to it this week. Please do not contact me during these hours if you want the fastest response.
8. The night before, plan your day.
Planning is not the same as scoping your day. You mentally prepare yourself for all the energy and effort that you will need during the day by scoping your day. You might be able to shift an important phone call into the morning, when you are feeling more energetic. If your meeting goes over time, should you ask a friend to help pick up the kids after school if it runs late? This assessment can be done the night before, giving you more flexibility to rearrange and manage the day.
9. Avoid Small Distractions
Each blink, ping and buzz takes us out of our zone of mental focus. You can tune in to the nudges that take you out of your comfort zone. Is it an instant message that blinks? Set Do Not Disturb for a few hours. The buzzing of the office floor catches your ear. Headphones, please! Even a room dimmed out (with some blue light lenses!) may be helpful. You can focus on one project or task without being distracted by other visuals.
10. How to Setup a Social Media Blocker
You can find a variety of apps and websites that help you manage your social media usage. It’s almost more important to understand when and why you use social media during the day than to help control its usage. When you hit a difficult part of a job, do you reach for the “scroll?” You’re not motivated? When you need to take a break or when you are burned out? Understanding your “why” is a great way to reorient yourself and get back into productive mode.
