Deadline Looming? – Don’t Panic

Approaching deadlines are enough to give anyone a panic attack, especially if you are worried about being able to meet the deadline. Instead of letting your feelings of panic overtake you, keep a clear head. Panic attacks are only going to take time away from the most important thing – your deadline. Keep your deadline in mind, but focus on the task at hand.

Breathing techniques are great for keeping a clear head. You do not have to enter a meditative state; rather breathe deeply and rhythmically for a few minutes. This will help to decrease your stress level and help you focus on your task. The more stress you have, the less likely you are to be able to focus or to catch mistakes.

Break your tasks down into sections, if possible. If you are working on an in-depth project for your company, breaking it down into tasks can help you achieve the project faster. By identifying each individual step, instead of viewing the project as a whole, you are helping your brain to compute each step as it approaches, rather than trying to solve the whole problem at once.

Enlist help if you can. Do not expect to complete the task all by yourself if you have help available. Enlist the help of co-workers or employees, depending upon your situation. You may find that having two sets of eyes will help to not only get the task completed earlier, but also your enlisted help may find a mistake you may not have caught.

If all else fails, walk away for a few minutes. Take the necessary break and enjoy a cup of tea or a short walk. Fresh air does the body and mind well in terms of helping to clear out unnecessary thoughts and stress. Also taking a necessary break will ease your stress on the impending deadline and will allow you to relax. Come back after your mind has cleared and you should be able to view the task with a refreshed perspective.

Keeping a clear head is essential to completing an assignment on time. There are several methods you can try to achieve this and help you to focus better. Find the method that works for you and employ it. You will find that you are able to complete your assignment better with a clear mind.