Feeling Overwhelmed at Work? Do These Three Things Now

Are you at the mercy of piling projects, deadlines and duties? If so, you are not alone. Many people experience burnout and anxiety in this high-pressure world. And the pressings of uncertainty does not help.

But be rest assured, because there are actions you can take to quell burnout, work smarter, and feel more confident and inspired in striving for your career.

Get the hard work out of the way first.

You may feel anxiety just reading this tip, especially the procrastinators out there. While it sounds counterintuitive, completing the challenging tasks first suppresses the stress that builds when you delay them. Your calendar can be a great tool for staying on top of everything. For example, you may create an occasion titled, "Write client report" from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m, and "Answer e-mails" from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. You'll be surprised at how much more productive you will be. Be sure to schedule each priority the moment it arises to stay accountable.

Incorporate mindfulness.

One-minute meditations get you out of your head and refocus thoughts. Ten deep breaths before you take on any big task or make a difficult phone call is all it takes. You will be more productive and clear-headed. If you want to reap the benefits of meditation, schedule five minutes in your calendar at the end of your lunch break and around 3 p.m. Here are seven meditation techniques to practice at work.

Move on from mistakes.

Don't let yourself dwell on past mistakes. Whether you missed a typo in an e-mail or didn't wow your boss with your article, let it go. Our minds love to replay our errors until we have lost all confidence in our abilities. The result? Self-sabotage. Don't let this happen. Sometimes the simplest solution is right in front of us, but we miss it because we're too busy beating ourselves up. And remember that we only truly grow by making these mistakes. If you are self flagellating, write down three places you went wrong and what you will do differently next time. Then you will have the comfort of knowing that you are now stronger and more prepared.

What if none of these work?

If you are still stretched too thin even after following the above tips, then your workload is likely too large. Your boss may be clueless (here are tips on handling a bad manager). If so, schedule a one-on-one, and suggest possible solutions to benefit all parties. Explain the areas in which you are excelling instead of struggling to complete. Often, the solution is as simple as delegating certain tasks to someone else on your team.

Avoiding being overwhelmed at work is completely within your control. Remember, your career ambitions should never jeopardize your mental health. So, take steps every day to maintain a sound mind and an emphasis on what you truly value. You will not only find newfound joy in your job, but also be equipped to reach your goals.

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