Control what you can to avoid feeling overwhelmed

It's easy to feel helpless when things are outside of our control.

This begs the question of what we do have the ability to control and change. Changing a few small things can together have a positive impact on our productivity and general well-being.

Instead of filling your schedule with work, then allowing yourself to have fun with what is left, reverse it. Flip your relation to work by scheduling play first. Maximize that time with 30-minutes of deep-focused, distraction-free work.

Scheduling breaks first helps you to notice that there are only so many hours in the workday. You will focus more and get more done, knowing that you'll soon reach a scheduled break to recharge.