I am on an insanely tight deadline right now. I have to prepare to facilitate two sessions in 48 hours. This opportunity fell into my lap just a few days ago and I also have clients who need help.
Help!
Actually, I am feeling pretty good about the situation and I wanted to share how I am managing to not feel stressed out when I could be a giant ball of stress right now.
Write down everything
The first thing I did was write down everything I needed to do besides the facilitation preparation. I had to review one client’s resume. I had to edit a one-page product description for someone else. I had to write a blog post. I had a few client calls.
We can only keep a few ideas or facts in short-term memory simultaneously. Writing things down literally creates space, which will help you calm down.
Quiet your mind
When you are stressed and anxious, the problem-solving and decision-making part of your brain, the prefrontal cortex, can go offline. This happens because your brain thinks you are in danger and reroutes blood flow elsewhere. You might feel like you are at risk, but you are probably not about to be eaten by a lion, although your board or investors could be looking kind of menacing.
When you are on a tight deadline, you need to think quickly and take action, but you may feel like you can’t find your words or think clearly. Take some deep breaths. Close your eyes and try to quiet your mind for even a few minutes. Your body and mind will realize that you are not at risk and will start to function better.
Move your body
When you move your body, you increase blood flow to the brain, which will help it function better. Any kind of movement can work. Stretch, walk, dance, do cardio – whatever. This also signals to your brain and body that you are okay.
In addition to getting oxygen into the bloodstream and getting more blood to the brain, your body may release some endorphins and you’ll feel better.
Turn off notifications
If you want to get a lot done in a short amount of time, turn off the notifications on your phone and laptop. The items on sale on Instacart will be there when you’re done. I honestly can’t understand how people function with email alerts turned on. I wouldn’t be able to write a paragraph without getting distracted.
Set a timer
I need longer blocks of time to really make progress on a creative or writing project. I find 45 or 50 minutes is optimal with a 15- or 10-minute break in between the blocks. When you do a few of those in a row, you will be shocked by how much you get accomplished.
This is my “Butt in Seat” method for productivity. Your butt is in that seat until the timer goes off. You can stare out the window or do your work. It’s better just to dive in and get stuff done.
This helpful post was written in a short amount of time because I followed all of this advice. I also had a big breakfast and now I am ready to tackle the rest of the day.
My deadline is still looming, but I’ve got this. I will now set another timer for 45 minutes.
