In this modern, busy world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Our work lives have become more demanding. Not to mention, the needs of our loved ones that we need to meet. Instead of stepping back and examining what needs to be done, we respond by working harder. This can lead to burnout.
Maybe you’re here because you’re running a business all by yourself. Perhaps you’re a single parent who’s juggling work and family. Below, I’ve prepared a list of strategies that may help you.
1. Pick one thing and focus on that.
You feel overwhelmed because you have so many things you know you need to do. Regardless, do this: Pick one item from your to-do list and focus your mental energy on that task. You will find that not only does this increase your productivity, but it also helps you feel less stressed. You get into a state of flow.
Related: 7 Ways to Limit Distractions Throughout the Day
2. Get out of the office.
Breaks are opportunities to refresh our minds and replenish our resources. It;s during those moments when we get the most creative ideas. So stand up, get away from your desk, and take a walk outside. Breathe fresh air. Maybe grab a cup of coffee or tea.
3. Break a task down into actionable steps.
Some projects just feel too overwhelming. For example, writing a book or launching a marketing campaign. No matter what you’re tackling, break it down into actionable steps. Grab a piece of paper and write down the steps involved to complete that project. Focus on one step at a time. This strategy works because it helps things become more manageable. And when you need help with a particular step, don’t be afraid to ask for it.
4. Make a list of what you’re not going to work on.
When you have a lot of stuff on your plate, you’ll get tempted to do everything at once. Sometimes, you need to take a step back and decide what YOU’RE NOT GOING TO WORK ON TODAY. That way, you can focus on things that are high-priority. Plus you won’t have to worry about anything else.
Related: 10 Ways to Work Smarter, Not Harder
5. Consider working on the weekends.
I know what you’re thinking — that you should save the weekends for pure relaxation. However, if you’re feeling extremely overwhelmed, sometimes, you’ll find yourself wanting to work half days on Saturdays. Some professionals are also finding that the traditional 5-day work week is too much (because that means working up to 8 hours daily). Instead, they try to give a little each day for 7 days a week. That means less overwhelm for them.
6. Think about the “Why.”
When a task seems too overwhelming, it helps to ask why you need to do it in the first place. Maybe you’re doing it for your loved ones. Or the future success of your business. Or to make a difference in the lives of other people.
Final Thoughts
I hope these strategies will help reduce overwhelm with work. Last but not least, resist the urge to overcomplicate solutions to problems. Take the first realistic step… and the next… and the next… until you get your work done without losing your sanity.
