Pull together everything you could possibly consider getting done in a day. Don’t worry about the order, or the number of items up front.

The next step is to see if you have any tasks that need immediate attention. We’re talking about work that, if not completed by the end of the day or in the next several hours, will have serious negative consequences.

Next, look at your important work and identify what carries the highest value to your business and organization. As a general practice, you want to recognize exactly which types of tasks have top priority over the others. For example, focus on: client projects before internal work.  Another way to assess value is to look at how many people are impacted by your work. In general, the more people involved or impacted, the higher the stakes.

If you have tasks that seem to tie for priority standing, check their estimates, and start on whichever one you think will take the most effort to complete. Productivity experts suggest the tactic of starting the lengthier task first. But, if you feel like you can’t focus on your meatier projects before you finish up the shorter task, then go with your gut and do that. It can be motivating to check a small task off the list before diving into deeper waters.

Uncertainty and change is a given. Know that your priorities will change, and often when you least expect them to. But—and here’s the trick—you also want to stay focused on the tasks you’re committed to completing.

Standing up and walking around for five minutes every hour during the workday could lift your mood, combat lethargy without reducing focus and attention. You will return to work fresher and more engaged, and at least you'll have done some movement.