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Advice / Succeeding at Work / Productivity

9 Ways to Get Your Day Back on Track (When Everything's Going Horribly Wrong)

The coffee maker malfunctions. You accidentally delete an important document. You bomb your morning presentation. And then you call your boss “Mom” by accident. Oh, and it’s not even noon yet.

Some days just go terribly, horribly wrong from start to finish, and it’s even harder to stay on track when you feel like there’s no hope that it’ll get better. How can you keep it together in those clutch moments? These tips will get you there.

  1. Take a break and watch one of these productivity-inducing videos. (Fast Company)
  2. Just feel all over the place? Sit down and write a short to-do list of what you absolutely need to get done. (Lifehacker)
  3. If you’re feeling way too distracted, move your workspace elsewhere temporarily. (Forbes)
  4. It’s one of the oldest (and most peaceful) tricks in the book: Meditate, even if it’s just for two minutes. (Lifehack)
  5. Turn that cell phone off and log out of your inbox and office chatroom. You’ll instantly feel less stressed. (The Nectar Collective)
  6. There’s a reason why you always turn to music when you’re stressed: It can actually calm you down and help you refocus. (Business Insider)
  7. Don’t be afraid to admit you’re having an off day. Venting does have some advantages. (Psychology Today)
  8. Keep a journal in the office so you can write down how you’re feeling and regroup during difficult moments. (The Huffington Post)
  9. Never underestimate the power of a well-timed break. Take 10 minutes to step outside and have a moment to yourself. (The Daily Muse)