During the holidays it is especially important to use our time efficiently. We have many more things to do, but we don’t have any more hours in our day. The time crunch causes us to want to push ourselves harder and eliminate our breaks and down time. In the end we feel more stressed which causes us to become more inefficient.

If we constantly overload ourselves, though, our productivity suffers. Efficiency studies suggest that performance can decrease by as much as 25% when people work excessive hours for long periods. So don’t feel like you’re slacking off if you sit down to rest awhile-you will actually accomplish more. Furthermore, even if you think you can keep going, take a break anyway. You’ll find you will get more done and feel better while you are doing it.

Another temptation during the holidays is to increase our level of multitasking, such as wrapping gifts while we talk on the phone or addressing cards while we watch television. Actually, though, multitasking can make you less effective. The human brain needs time to shift gears between tasks; each time you shift it takes a few seconds to refocus your attention. The seconds add up and you lose all the time you think you are saving by doing two things at once. Also, you are more likely to make mistakes if you are switching back and forth between two jobs. Though it may be a bit more tedious to do, try to focus on one thing at a time. Again, you’ll increase your efficiency and decrease your stress level.

Visit us at WomanWork.net for more tips on organizing paperwork and getting rid of clutter!

http://www.womanwork.net/2008/01/25/paper-clutter-control-to-save-or-not-to-save-paper/

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