It’s pretty easy to feel totally overwhelmed if you don’t have a to-do list in place. Our recommendation is not to create one in the morning, but the evening instead.

Each day, before you’re about to stop working, jot down the things that need to be done the following morning, in the order of importance. You can store it in

your phone or log it onto your computer. But our favorite is to write it on a notepad. Nothing quite compares to the satisfaction of using a pen to scratch

things off after you complete them!

Did you know that the average person spends as much as almost seven hours a day checking email?! Just think about all that you could get done during that time.

Yes, checking email is a part of most of our work responsibilities, but it usually doesn’t need to happen every hour, on the hour. All that does is take up

time and inundate you with all kinds of information; sometimes to the point of distracting you with the task at hand. Check it in the morning, at lunch and again

before going home. Take care of what’s urgent and get to the rest when you have more down time. It will boost productivity and decrease stress too.

Some people think that they can’t make it through the day without their coffee. A cup or two is OK, but remember that coffee is a stimulant due to the

amount of caffeine that’s in it. That can make you jittery---and possibly even irritable---at work. It also increases the chances of you having a hard time falling asleep at night.

Try some fruit juice or even better, water. They’re both healthier and present far less side effects.

Did you know that indoor air pollution is 5-7 times higher than outdoor air pollution? That alone should make us all want to spend a little time outside! Choosing to

eat lunch outside rather than in also gets you some Vitamin D (from the sun). The fresh air can also decrease stress levels as well. There are also studies that

indicate that getting away from your computer screen and focusing on things that aren’t right in front of your face can help to protect your vision.

If you’re someone who likes to have a snack in order to get you over the afternoon hump, stay away from foods that are high in sugar and salt. Healthy

snacks that will give you energy include apples and peanut butter, popcorn, humus, almonds and fresh berries. If you’ve got a big project or a tight deadline and you’re a

little on edge, foods that help to keep you calm include avocados, oranges, walnuts, chamomile tea and a glass of chocolate milk.

Negativity is toxic. If you’re constantly around complainers or gossipers, no wonder you’re anxious. Minimize the amount of negativity that’s in your space by avoiding certain topics of conversation, not

surfing the web for celebrity news and surrounding yourself with positive quotes and listening to uplifting music. A happy mind is a productive one. And the more work you get

done each day, the more relaxed you’ll feel at the office. At home too.