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What is the purpose of life? Is there life after death? How do we avoid panicking over manic Mondays and Friday deadlines?

These may be the three most fundamental questions that each human will face at least once in life.

Okay, all kidding aside, the panic and stress that creeps up on us as we consider everything we have on our plate as Monday rolls around are real. Said panic and stress only increase over the week as the deadlines for our work loom like a guillotine over a French nobleman.

Is there anything practical that can be done to avoid this putrid panic? This stinky stress? Certainly. Quit your job.

But if you need the money, the benefits and the retirement fund, you might try these tips:

#1. Prepare.
On Sunday night, or even on Monday morning as you commute to work, think ahead. Try to map out your day by first listing each task that you need to accomplish. Second, you want to realistically estimate how much time each task is going to require.

The old adage of "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear," is right on the money when it comes to avoiding those manic Mondays.

#2. Plan the week.
When you're given an assignment, make sure you have a clear idea of the deadline. Then take the task and break it down into parts. Figure out how much of the project you can get done in a day. Try to forsee any potential problems or outside resources you will need.

Go ahead and write this breakdown on your calendar or planner. Make firm goals for what you will accomplish each day and don't stop work until you've accomplished what you set out to do. In this way you will avoid allowing a build up toward the end of the week, and the panic will stay away.

#3. Gain perspective.
It's just work after all, isn't it? Okay, for some of us, it's not just a job. It's an important part of our life and we feel personally invested in doing excellent work. But that means we need to try harder to keep our lives balanced.

If you're one of the folks who simply must excel at work, find a way to excel at relaxing. A hobby is vital to your peace of mind, as are friends, good food and plenty of sleep. Spending time with family is a spectacular way to keep perspective and balance in your life.

And as perspective and balance are maintained, panic is fought off and you can go about a peaceful, productive work week.

It will also help the situation if you can make sure you love your job.

Learn more about this author, Jared Garrett.
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