Some workdays can be more chaotic and demanding than others, and staying on top of things isn’t always the easiest thing to do. That’s why, to find balance (and maintain sanity), it’s important to add routine to your work schedule whenever possible.
A regular end-of-day ritual is an excellent way to close out each workday and help you ease into your schedule the next morning. Here are some things you can add to your daily routine to help design a better end to your workday:
Go over what you got done. If you aren’t implementing a checklist already, it’s a great idea to start using one on a daily basis. At the end of each day, you can go over what you accomplished so that you’re ready to tackle tasks the next morning. Also, be sure to start your end-of-day ritual about 15 – 20 minutes before you plan on leaving your office or work area.
Review tasks for the next morning. This should coincide with the task above. Be sure you’re well aware of any tasks you haven’t finished at the end of each day, as well as anything else you know you need to handle the next day. Also, update your calendar accordingly.
Clear your workspace. If you have a desk at work, be sure to clear any clutter on it before you leave for the day. However, check all the files and papers you’re moving before you either stack them or throw them away—there may be a task lurking in the pile that you’ve forgotten to handle!
By making sure to tackle these jobs right before leaving the office, you can go home knowing what you accomplished and be better prepared to take on the workday the following morning.
