Accomplishing Big Tasks Without Big Stress!

Spring cleaning. Term papers. Large projects for work. Doing your taxes. Any of these things might fray a person's nerves, but they need not be that way. Even though large projects such as these can put a lot of stress on a person they can be made easy and even fun if you put the right kind of energy into it. Here are some tips for making those huge projects smaller, easier, a lot more fun, and a lot less stressful!

Break It Down

Of all the advice one could receive for tackling big projects, this is by far the most important. Break down a big task into a bunch of smaller ones. Let's take a term paper for an example:

- go to the library
- find some books
- read the books
- mark important passages
- create a thesis
- write the first paragraph
- write the first page
- write the second page
- etc, etc...

Yes, you'd doing the same amount of work. This way, though, it doesn't seem as daunting as "WRITING A TERM PAPER". You can take breaks in between each small step. Write your thesis, then take a fifteen minute break. Then write that first paragraph, and take another fifteen minute break.

Enjoyably Multitask

I don't recommend multitasking unless you are doing both your project and something enjoyable simultaneously. I'm not talking about watching TV while trying to go over some important business matters, however; you need to find something enjoyable that doesn't take away from your concentration. What do I mean? Let's take the example of spring cleaning. What else can you do while you clean to make things more fun? Try listening to music, singing along, or even dancing while you work. If you're trying to finish a project for work, listen to some music or relax with a pet on your lap (this is where cats, small dogs, or rabbits come in handy!) as you do your work. Try to find a way to make your work fun.

Location, Location, Location

If at all possible, choose a pleasant location for doing your work. My favorite place is a small coffee shop a few blocks from my house. I'm sitting in that shop right now, sipping a cup of chai as I write. I feel better working here than at a library. If I stay in my home, I oftentimes get distracted by pets or I get tempted by the comfort of my bed or couch and fall asleep. Libraries, coffee shops, parks, or even a home office can be pleasant places to work. Choose a place where you know you can concentrate. Some people can't work in places like coffee shops where there's music playing or people talking. Work where you are most effective, because if you are surrounded by distractions you will not work as well and thus become more stressed.

Lucky Charms

Sometimes we can't choose our location when it comes to big projects or working, but we can try to make that location a little happier and less stress-inducing. Once, while studying for a big test, I brought my favorite stuffed animal with me and set him on the table next to me. Lucky charms, favorite knick-knacks, a small photo, or anything that puts a smile to your face can make the environment more conducive to working without the stress.

Breathing Breaks

If you start to feel the stress creeping on, stop what you're doing and take a ten or fifteen minute break. You can get up, walk around a bit, pet the cat, use the bathroom, get a snack, or, if you're like me, you can just sit there and take a few deep breaths. Deep breathing has been proven to reduce anxiety and stress because it supplies the body with more oxygen and opens up the blood vessels that get constricted when under stress. At least, I think that's how it works! Either way, it does work and it's a great way to calm your nerves.

Don't be afraid to try something new to keep yourself from stressing over big projects or difficult tasks. The more you stress about something, the longer it will take to accomplish. If you want to hurry up and get it over with already, try to make it a little more enjoyable and a little less stressful by using these techniques. Do whatever you need to do in order to make your work easier and maybe even a little fun!