However, there are strategies you can use to get all your work done — and still stay sane. This doesn’t mean you should cram more tasks into an already overburdened calendar; rather, this is about learning to use time and resources efficiently so you can be productive without getting burned out. Here’s how:

1. Stop trying to multitask

It turns out that multitasking is a myth. That’s right: What we think of as multitasking is just, in reality, switching rapidly from one task to another. Our brains are physically incapable of doing two things simultaneously, and constant task switching is anything but efficient. In fact, doing so slows us down and makes it difficult to enter a state of flow where the highest level of concentration and productivity is achieved. So, even if this sounds counterintuitive, if you want to accomplish more, focus on doing just one thing at a time.

2. Plan your day strategically

Throughout the day, most people experience fluctuations in their attention, motivation and energy levels. For example, many people feel the most alert around 10 a.m. and experience an energy crash around 2 p.m. Instead of working against these cycles, you can learn to work with your natural circadian rhythm to optimize your productivity. Pay attention to how you feel throughout the day, and work on tasks that require the most energy and focus when your productivity peaks, while saving easier or mindless work for the afternoon slumps.

3. Keep a “distraction list”

It’s so easy to get carried away with distracting thoughts while trying to focus on a task. 

I can’t forget to call my dentist. I need to make a reservation for dinner this weekend. Did I feed my cat?

You get the idea. If you are a victim of constant distractions throughout your day, consider keeping a distraction list. Keep a notepad on your desk or a doc on your computer; any time you have a distracting thought, jot it down. Then, at the end of the day or on a break, examine the list to see if there is anything that needs to be taken care of.

4. Manage emails efficiently

Speaking of distractions, while email is important, it can also be a hindrance to getting things done. If left unchecked, you can spend hours going through your inbox or get distracted by new email notifications that come in every few minutes. Consider setting 15-minute time blocks designated for responding to emails throughout the day. Then, in between those blocks, silence or ignore email notifications unless absolutely urgent. Additionally, be sure to unsubscribe from irrelevant email lists. To minimize your time spent sending emails, create templates for emails you send regularly, and include as much as you can in one email to reduce the need for back-and-forth Q&As.

5. Use shortcuts whenever possible

To cut down time spent on repetitive tasks, find ways to use shortcuts wherever possible. Save your wrists and fingers from excessive clicking with helpful keyboard shortcuts. If you do anything repetitive on a spreadsheet, there is probably a formula that will make your life so much easier. If you don’t know the formula, a quick Google search will usually bring up a solution. And never underestimate the time-saving ability “copy and paste” with templates for text you use regularly.

6. Recharge outside of work

Just as important as how you spend your time during work is how you spend your time outside of work. If you want to perform at your optimal level, you need to make sure you start the day recharged. Some ways you can consider recharging include eating well, exercising, stretching, taking a bath, getting good sleep, spending time with family, meditating, doing a fun activity, writing in a journal, creating something artistic — and the list goes on. Whatever it is, do something that makes you feel energized and renewed.

Being busy isn’t necessarily a bad thing so long as you can stay productive while taking care of yourself. Start with these ways to minimize distractions and increase your ability to focus and get your work done. You can tackle your heavy workload, and you can do it without it consuming all your energy.

Peter Ord is the founder of GUIDEcx, a client implementation and onboarding project platform based in Lehi.