Getting organized at work can take planning and time. It’s so easy to feel completely overwhelmed by distractions, work piling up, a to-do list that is seemingly endless, and so much more. However, taking the steps to create a plan that sets you up to be productive is worth the time and energy put in on the front end. This is particularly pertinent to those who are managing side effects of treatment which could include fatigue, brain fog, and more.
Our friends at The Muse published an article on a practice called ‘time blocking’. This is a technique that involves dividing your day into blocks of time that are each dedicated to specific tasks. It’s an approach that helps with focus and time management, because you are implementing a set structure for getting your work done. Looking at a never-ending to-do list can often put you in a position of feeling paralyzed by the amount of work you need to get done. By assigning time blocks to specific projects and activities, you can set yourself up to be productive.
The majority of people use to-do lists, which are a great way to get a visual of the work that needs to get done, however, it doesn’t solve the ‘how’ of getting the work done. Even as you move down your to-do list, checking off what you’ve accomplished, there is no measurable way to identify time and efficiency in getting that task done. Some of the major benefits of time blocking include improved focus and concentration, reduced procrastination, increased efficiency and productivity, and a better work-life balance. So, what does time blocking look like? An example may include identifying when you find yourself doing your best work, and then setting that specific time aside to work on a project or task that may require a much higher level of focus, such as data aggregation or writing. If you work a 9 – 5 day and find that you’re at your sharpest in the morning, perhaps set aside 9:30 am – 12:00 pm to get those more focus-driven tasks done, and save your meetings for 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm and your less prioritized tasks for 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. By creating such structure for your day, you will be better able to plan for deadlines.
The Muse suggests some specific steps to create a more balanced schedule:
1. Assess your tasks. Categorizing and prioritizing your tasks can help you stay organized.
2. Estimate the time for each task. This will help set you up for success by identifying how much time will be necessary to allocate to each task. This can take some time as you become more familiar with the hyper-focus you approach the time blocks with.
3. Set realistic blocks. While your calendar may suggest your whole day is open to work on one project – you may want to rethink the energy that will be necessary. Will you be productive if you set aside 6 hours straight to work on a task? Or will you produce better work in two three hour blocks.
4. Schedule breaks. Similar to the last point, even if the time exists, it doesn’t mean your energy will align. Be sure to implement breaks into your schedule – this could be a 10 minute walk and stretch, or an hour to eat lunch and rest your brain.
5. Review and adjust. As you become more accustomed to structuring your work in this way, you will be able to identify what works and what could work better.
Cancer and Careers also offers insight into how to navigate a diagnosis. Check out our upcoming webinar on Balancing Work & Cancer for some considerations and approaches. Additionally, our articles on practices to help manage side-effects at work can be really helpful as you create a plan for productivity and efficiency. These include Working with “Chemo Brain” and Back to Work. Also, never underestimate the impact of nutrition on productivity – join us for our upcoming Midwest Conference where registered dietician, Karla Giboyeaux, MA, RDN, CDN, will be presenting a session on the practical considerations for navigating work after a cancer diagnosis.
If you are looking for more resources or techniques for approaching work after diagnosis, feel free to reach out to cancerandcareers@cew.org. We’re here to support you in the many aspects involved in working with cancer.