Reduce Stress and Save Time with these Microsoft Office Tips

We all need to reduce stress at work. If you think about how you function at work, it's usually through the computer, answering phones, making copies, and using some form of today's technology. When it comes to our use of the computer, most of us are self-taught and never really learned it's full capabilities. And if we did have a class, we were overloaded with information and couldn't remember half of what we were taught.

This tips below are designed to help you save time in your workday by trying a few simple changes to how you currently use Microsoft Office 2003 and prior editions:

Tip 1. Use Outlook's Reading Layout. Left click "View." Choose "Reading Layout" and "Right."
Tip 2. Use Flags in Outlook to follow up faster. Right click on your email, choose "follow up," and the flag color. A new category shows under "Inbox" called "follow up."
Tip 3. Use Research Tool in Word and Excel. In your file, click on "tools," choose "Research." At the task pane to the right, choose an option from the drop down box and type in your information. Once your options appear, click the "insert button." Note you must have internet service for this option.
Tip 4. Using Notes in PowerPoint. Once in your document, look below the slide. You now have a notes section to type info. You can even add bullet points
Tip 5. PowerPoint Package CD option. Save files onto a cd to play anywhere! Left click "file" once your document is created, choose "Package for CD." Left click "Options." Make sure you check all options. Follow remaining instructions and you're on your way.
Tip 6. Reading Layout in Word. Open your document. Click "View" and choose "Reading Layout." This will help you scan files quickly.
Tip 7. Create a Word Template. Create your document, and choose "File." Click "Save as.." and under "File Type" save as "Document Template." This is an excellent way to resuse a document or create a company standard.
Tip 8. Enter Data First, then Format in Word and Excel. I know this seems simple, but it is really a time saver. Save the formatting for the end- your life will be more hassle free.
Tip 9. Auto Fit printing in Excel. Once your document is created, click "File," and choose "Page Setup." Adjust the "Fit By" portion and click the "OK" button. No more adjusting in page break preview!
Tip 10: Copy data between workbook or new workbook. If you've ever had to copy data to make changes but needed to save the sheet you're working on, you know the copy/paste functions just don't cut it. Try copying a sheet. In your workbook, click "Edit." Choose "Move or Copy Sheet." Choose location. Make sure you check the "Create A Copy" if you want a copy. Click the "OK" button.