5 ways to beat feeling overwhelmed by work
August 7, 2018
By Brian Maynor
As summer vacations come to a close and workloads start getting heavier it can be easy to start feeling overwhelmed.
Before our to-do lists grow to multiple pages and the thought of checking our email fills us with dread there are a few things we can do to nip that anxiety in the bud. After taking a few slow breaths to get ourselves in a prepare-and-plan mindset, give some of these tips a try.
These are the top five ways to cope with an overwhelming workload:
1. Practice acceptance and healthy self-talk. Positive self-talk doesn’t only help us feel calm and in control it also claims an appropriate amount of responsibility. It’s important to keep a balance or we can create more stress and anxiety.
2. Track our time. Just because we spend a lot of time at the office doesn’t necessarily mean we spend most of that time working. It’s common for us to exaggerate how much we actually work, because when we feel overwhelmed our brains overestimate how much we’re working. In turn, that causes more anxiety, and thus the vicious cycle begins.
3. Be aware of our assumptions. We tend to self-impose expectations of what is expected of us, which are often much more demanding than other people’s expectations of us. One example is feeling the constant pressure to respond to emails after hours. If we read them and there is nothing pressing or urgent to address leave it until the next business day. Not only will this create a better work-life balance it creates better boundaries for yourself and others. If not responding isn’t your style then simply let them know you’ll get back with them during the next business day. We should also not be afraid to clarify expectations directly.
4. Reassess our ideas of success. Not only does our workload increase with every promotion, so does the pressure we place on ourselves to succeed. While there is some validity to this added pressure, we tend to put a lot more of it on ourselves than is necessary. Most of this pressure centers on perfectionism and the idea that in order to succeed we need to constantly perform at the top of our game. Not only is that impossible and unrealistic it’s not true.
5. Relax. If we want to feel more relaxed about our workload we need to act more relaxed about our workload. If we find this easier said than done, take a moment to think about it and ask, “How would I act if I were more relaxed about my workload?” Whether it’s taking a day off or just not working all weekend, we can all identify two or three specific ways we can act more relaxed.
When we feel overwhelmed it’s only natural that we become avoidant in the hope of alleviating the anxiety, but it doesn’t work. Instead it creates more anxiety on top of being less productive. Instead of avoiding things, try one of these tips and actually address the situation.
I’m always excited to hear from you, so please email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected].
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
