Having a meeting scheduled at 5 PM can be quite challenging, especially as it’s often near the end of the workday when energy levels tend to dip. From my experience, one key to handling these late meetings effectively is preparation ahead of time. For instance, I always make sure to review the agenda earlier in the day and prioritize tasks so I can participate actively without feeling rushed. Additionally, setting reminders about 10-15 minutes before the meeting allows me to transition from other tasks smoothly. Creating a quiet and distraction-free environment during the meeting also helps boost focus and engagement. Another useful tip is to have all necessary materials organized—be it documents, presentations, or notes—to avoid scrambling during the meeting itself. Lastly, I find it beneficial to schedule a buffer period after the 5 PM meeting to reflect on key takeaways or complete any follow-up actions. This approach prevents feeling overwhelmed and helps maintain productivity beyond the meeting. Managing meetings at this hour with these strategies not only improves your performance but also reduces end-of-day fatigue and stress.