Emma Weinbren reports
In a workplace full of soaring script volumes, mounting paperwork and financial pressures, it's little wonder pharmacists are often left feeling overwhelmed. According to the C+D Salary Survey 2011, nearly two in three of you experience stress in your jobs and one in three says workplace pressures are affecting their ability to serve patients.
At times like this, it may seem impossible to even think about organising your workload. But, according to mental health charity Mind, taking the time to set your priorities and clear your head can enable you to work more effectively.
Mind's policy and campaigns manager Emma Mamo explains what to do when those mountains of paperwork seem an impossible uphill struggle.
Take your time
Yes, it may sound ridiculous, but taking your time may be the key to working faster. When faced with multiple tasks, many of us panic and try to do everything at once - inevitably leading to a tangle of loose ends and half-baked ideas.
Instead, says Ms Mamo, you should slow down and establish which tasks are urgent. "There's only so much time in the day, so try to break things down into what's urgent and what can be left for another time," she advises.
And the myth of effective multi-tasking should also be left behind. "Try to take one task at a time until you're finished," Ms Mamo recommends. "If there are dull jobs, try to mix them up with some exciting jobs and schedule the more demanding work for the time when youÕre at your best."
"People should be aware of how best to arrange their working day, so if you're not a morning person, set aside time to do the heavy admin work on a Friday afternoon," she adds.
Breaks are also an important part of the day, Ms Mamo warns. And although it's not always possible to secure time away from the dispensary, a short break can help clear your mind.
"We recommend that you take adequate breaks, even if you have a lot on, because it keeps your mind fresh. The more time you're working through without a break, the less productive you are," she explains.
Leave work at work
In the age of smartphones and wireless internet, we all know a workaholic who proudly answers their emails into the early hours. But the 24/7 lifestyle may well take its toll, Mind warns. According to the organisationÕs research, people who work more than 10 hours a day are more likely to suffer serious heart problems.
Ms Mamo recommends leaving work strictly at work to minimise the effects of stress. "At the end of every day, it's a good idea to make a 'to do' list while you're still in that mindset," she advises. "We've found that it takes people a very long time to wind down after work, so doing this helps people leave work behind. "
"Wind down by listening to music on your way home or try to walk or cycle back, as physical exercise really does help with mental health."
And if you do need to bring work home, designate a separate area for work - this will make it easier for you to literally close the door on your working day, she says.
Remember to breathe
While life would be decidedly difficult without breathing, many of us don't think about our respiratory patterns. And if work suddenly feels overwhelming, Ms Mamo extols the virtues of a deep breath.
"Try to take a deep breath and get away from your desk or situation for a few minutes - get a drink or go to the toilet," she advises.
But if work really is unmanageable, she stresses the importance of seeking help.
"Pressure is inevitable in the workplace, but if that spirals into stress it has an emotional and physical impact, so that's counterproductive," Ms Mamo explains.
"If your workload is unreasonable then you need to speak up about it - we all have busy periods at work but if that goes beyond what's reasonable, you need to say something."