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How to Get Work Done When Feeling Overwhelmed

I am naturally quite a chaotic person. I'm generally an over-thinker, a rusher, and a worrier. Because of this, unsurprisingly, I can get a bit overwhelmed with my work-load! With lots of stress-induced experience, I have created some tactics that allow me to calm down and actually get work done - instead of just sitting, sweating, and worrying about it! For me, being an organised and fully productive person is an end goal to strive for! Here are some wee tips that I try to stick to throughout my productivity journey:



1. Feel good in your skin

First of all, if I have an important day that involves maybe a meeting or an interview, I like to feel like my best self. I like to have on an outfit that makes me feel presentable but also lets my personality shine through (my motto is: if you want to wear it, just wear it with confidence!). I constantly save Instagram posts/save pins to boards on Pinterest so that I have a solid bank of ideas to influence outfit choices. Here are some videos from bloggers that I like that will hopefully provide some style inspo:

10 outfits, 10 ways by 'The Anna Edit'
Insta: @theannaedit
What I Wore this week by Allana Davison 
Insta: @allanaramaa

On the other hand, sometimes I need a wee dress down day (e.g. Mondays, first days back after a holiday, any day during exam hell!). On days like this, the only thing for it is my favourite jumper/leggings/trainers combo - you know, clothes that feel like PJs but are socially acceptable to wear in public?? Find something to wear that makes you feel good and you're sorted!

2. Find an environment that works for you

I have trained myself to be tidier at life, and I've found that a calm space clears my head!  Everyone works differently, but it's important to find a set up that works for you. During exam-time before Christmas, I studied all over the place because I change my mind so often. If studying at home, I like a wee candle and a cup of tea.  If you get bored of your usual study space, there are nice alternative study-spaces in Glasgow that give you an excuse to move from your desk (and have a bit of cake). I'm a big fan of: 

   Tinderbox, Ingram Street (good coffee, cakes, and most importantly plugs)
   The Project Cafe, Renfrew Street (v cute and arty, host exhibitions within cafe)
   The Mitchell Library (beautiful building, great study spaces, smells really good)


3. Get organised 

I love a good list. I especially like writing small and easy tasks to tick off my list to make me feel more productive!! Lists organise your thoughts, enable you to organise your work-load, and give you an immense sense of satisfaction once completed! 

I've discovered bullet-journaling and it has changed my life. I am one for getting my dates and times mixed up, but my bullet journal has definitely minimized (not fully mended) this problem. My bullet journal is not the neatest, but it's where I can sort out my dates and times, plan my life, and endlessly doodle. I like to work on my bullet journal while chilling on a Sunday night; I map out my week so I know exactly where and when I need to be for the whole week. 

 @amandarachelee on Instagram is the queen of the bullet journal. Have a look at her page!


 4. Make time for friends and family

It's easy to let work or studying take over your life, but making plans to see my friends 100% improves my mood! I feel that when you have plans, you get things done in a more productive manner - because you need to get it done! Nights in are cosy in the winter, but sometimes booking actual activities, getting out the house, and escaping from reality is the only thing for it. Go to a gig, go to the cinema or go for a gin! Plans on a school night tend to get me through the week! 

I'm a big fan of the Dice app where you can book (usually v cheap gig tickets) instantaneously!


5. Exercise

Exercising 100% relieves my stress! To find out how to stick to your diet and exercise plan, have a look at Karolina's blog post for some tips (from a trained power lifter!) on how to stick to your diet and workout plan



6. Get on with it!

A lot of the time, if I'm worrying about a project or assignment, it's because I haven't started it yet! 9/10 it's not as bad as I think, and once I've got my flow going, I calm down straight away! There are occasional weeks (e.g. exam-time hell) when you don't actually have much time for fun plans. At times like this, I like to channel Elle Woods of Legally Blonde when she's studying for her L-SATs and missing out on parties! 

If you're anything like me, hopefully these will be of some use! Good luck!!


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