Feeling of Working Constantly
Even though I create a weekly "to do" list, and often accomplish the tasks on the list, I still feel like I am constantly working and I'm not managing my time efficiently.
That feeling of working constantly also leads to stress and burnout. I also realize I am in the "immediacy" category, in that I feel I must do a given task right away, even if it isn't due right away.
Does anyone else feel the way I do, and any suggestions? I'm thinking that I need to work more at prioritizing and not feeling that I have to do everything at once.
Thank you.
Lesley Sargoy
I often work nights as I am a night person, and teach 4 days a week. I will take the weekends off, but not manage to get things done in my household. I get all my tasks done on time for work, but nothing at home. I am currently dealing with medical issues, including depression and ill health of my parents. I make to do lists, then only get one or two items done.
Any suggestions on methods to motivate myself to get things done? I am often feeling overwhelmed.
As a type A personality, I believe in the getting paid for 40 hours, must work for 40 hours. I am fairly new to teaching, and discovered how much work teaching really is. I teach 4 days a week often work at night from home to make sure I stay on track, but then take the weekend off to give myself down time, which can put me behind instead of working that 5th day.
I am a night person and often work late, making getting up in the morning for 8am class difficult.
Any suggestions on methods to motivate myself to get things done more productively?
HAving been in the business for a while, I feel at the end of the day" What have I done" Having the to do list, prioriting my order and using my daily planner still does not take in to accountwhat the boss need to be done and the time window he wants it done. It seems that I am forever chasing my tail. Being a job orientated person it seems like I am always behind. Also my priority is not always the boss,s priority.You just have to do the best to keep up with the workload
A VAldez
Yes - I feel the same way. I believe it comes from being a perfectionist and being afraid of failure. I tend to take my job "home" with me so I constantly feel like I am "working". Some things that I have tried is to set aside 30 minutes a day of "me" time where I don't think about work or anything else. I stopped taking student assignments home to grade and made my home a "work free zone". Hope this helps.
Lesley, I hope your day went well by relieving some tension and stress with a good workout. I have found that exercise is a great mental breather and allows you to take a step back and really approach a task more efficently. Try it out!
Vanessa
Dr. Read, thanks for the insite. I completely agree with Lesley, when you just feel the best thing to do is rush, rush, rush! I just experienced it today. I feel there is not enough times in the day. I did get in a great workout to clear my thoughts, but I went one step further and treated myself for Starbucks so actually take some time for me. I felt quite more relaxed. Thank you!
Vanessa
Vanessa, Thank you for sharing. This sounds like a wonderful approach. The only thing I can say here is that there is no replacement or supplement for "me time." I know it's hard but every now and again, do consider taking some time for you. You will be much more effective at your tasks - large and small - when you return.
Dr. Melissa Read
Hi Vanessa,
I'm going to try your idea of breaking up the tasks, especially with the "me" time tasks interspersed, like the working out. They say that doing some physical exercise will make you that much more efficient with the mental tasks. I will frequently say "oh I am so swamped, I will skip the gym today" ... not good I know!
Thank you so much for the suggestion!
Lesley
Hey Leslie,
I definately realized I fell into this category of "immediacy". Recently, I have been trying the method of prioritizing the more urgent tasks first. To supplement some "me" time in between all of my tasks, I try to break up my big tasks with little tasks such as working out, running errands, or cleaning my house. I have found by doing this, I get my urgent tasks done more efficiently, yet I am also allowing a mental breather and still getting smaller things finished as well. When I then sit down to revisit my lesson plan or go through emails, I feel a bit more at ease! I hope this help, keep me posted!
Vanessa
