Dealing with Being Overwhelmed

Question

How do you calm yourself down when you start to stress out, especially if you're on a deadline or still have work to do?

Jennifer Rey · Answer

Step: #1 Take a break! Go outside and get fresh air, or walk around office. Take a few minutes to move your body and remove yourself from the stress.
Step: #2 Make a list! Write down your priorities along with deadlines. Try putting your to-do items in order of importance so you know what to tackle first.
Step: #3 Ask for help! If you are up against a deadline ask your supervisor or a co-worker for help. You never know if you can get an extra pair of hands or a deadline extension.

Victoria Stanislavovich · Answer

I usually take a walk outside and then come back and clear off my desk to make sure I only have stuff that I need to complete the assignment in front of me. I also prefer to turn on some music that gets me in a zone.

Katie Malone · Answer

Jennifer is spot-on. Take a break even if that means running to the restroom & getting a sip of water. Also, I try to knock out the easiest stuff first... simply because it makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something.

My Good Life · Answer

I have learned to take breaks and using two apps have helped a lot. The Calm App and a spiritual one called Abide. They force me to mediate and breathe.

Siobhan Stephan · Answer

I agree with taking breaks. Even if its a micro break at your desk to turn your back and close your eyes and breath.
List definitely help me too. And I keep scratch paper at my desk to doodle on... write my grocery list, evening plans, my goals for the month, anything.
Also, ice water or cold water totally helps me when I'm feeling overwhelmed. I have a 32 oz HydraPeak water bottle and it keeps my ice the entire workday. I just refill with water at work as needed.

MJP · Answer

I definitely agree with the suggestions shared. In addition, when I'm feeling that way, I also often ask myself how realistic I'm being about the work ahead of me.

I've been guilty, for example, of telling myself that I can get it all done by just pulling a few all-nighters and then catching up on sleep over the weekend. Rather than risk drowning in everything, I stop to set realistic parameters and reassess: Are there things that can come off my plate? Deadlines that could be extended? Items that could be delegated? Am I actually focusing on the items that need my time/attention?

For me, that kind of stress is sometimes a sign that I have more ahead of me than I can actually handle without some sort of support or intervention. So I trust that sign and try to get myself support or intervention!

Oksana Horbach · Answer

If the weather's not so great and going outside for a walk isn't an option, I'll still get up and stretch and do a quick 5 minute chair yoga neck/back stretch (on Grokker).  I also find list-making calming so that I can clear my thoughts and ensure that I know everything left that needs to be done and the order it needs to be done in.  A nice mug of hot peppermint or chamomile tea by my side doesn't hurt either!

Dealing with Being Overwhelmed

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