You’ve got orders that need unpacking, shelves need restocking, the phone is ringing with constant calls from vendors, a pile of invoices require your attention, not to mention half the staff is sick and you’ve got a scheduling nightmare to figure out.
You’re juggling tasks with a speed worthy of Ringling Bros., but half the balls are still hitting the floor — what are you going to do to so that you don’t go insane?
Here are some tips on how NOT to multi-task and still get your work accomplished:
Set up to-do lists for different contexts (i.e. calls, computer, errands, etc.) depending on your situation.
Plan your day in blocks, with open blocks in between for urgent stuff that comes up. You might try one-hour blocks, or half-hour blocks, depending on what works for you.
Have a physical and email inbox (as few inboxes as possible) so that all incoming stuff is gathered together in one place (one for paper stuff, one for digital).
If other things come in while you’re working, put them in the inbox, or take a note of them in your capture system. Get back to the task at hand.
Take deep breaths, stretch, and take breaks now and then. Enjoy life. Go outside, and appreciate nature. Keep yourself sane.
