It’s happens to all of us. We’re cruising along, working hard and feeling good…and then suddenly everything comes crashing down and the backlog of things to do just keeps piling up. All at once we feel like we can’t do anything right, and the only thing we can think about is crawling under a rock and hiding from the world.
If this sounds familiar, don’t worry – you’re not alone! It happens to the best of us. The important thing is to remember that it’s only a phase and there are ways to get out of it. Here are five tips on how to reset and get back on track when work has you feeling down:
- First, take a step back and analyse the situation. What exactly is causing the problem? Is it too much work? Where is the work coming from? Is the project overly optimistic and too difficult? Are there multiple looming deadlines? Once you identify the root of the issue, it will be easier to find a solution.
- Second, make a plan. Once you know what the problem is, sit down and map out how you’re going to fix it. This could involve breaking the project (or multiple projects) down into smaller tasks, setting a new deadline, or asking for help. If the problem is that you’re feeling overwhelmed, try the Pomodoro Technique. This involves working in short bursts of 25 minutes, followed by a five-minute break. After four rounds of this, you get a longer break of 15 to 20 minutes. The theory is that by breaking down your work into manageable chunks, you’ll be less likely to feel overwhelmed and will be more productive overall.
- Third, take some time for yourself. This may seem counter-intuitive when you’re feeling buried under work, but it’s important to schedule some “me” time into your day. This could be a half an hour walk at lunchtime, reading for 20 minutes before bed, or heading to the driving range after work. It’s important to have some time when you’re not thinking about work, otherwise, you’ll never feel rested and recharged. You are less able to come up with creative solutions when stressed.
- Fourth, talk to your boss. If the problem is that you’re being given too much work or unrealistic deadlines, have a conversation with your boss. They may not be aware of how much work you have on your plate or how challenging the project is. By having an open and honest discussion, you can come to a resolution that works for both of you. This potentially includes delegating some work to others in your team that may have some capacity. Businesses that continue to set unrealistic deadlines will inevitably burnout their employees.
- Finally, don’t beat yourself up. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking “I’m never going to get this done” or “I’m so behind, I’ll never catch up.” These negative thoughts will only make you feel worse and will hinder your ability to find solutions. Accept that things are tough at the moment, but remind yourself that it’s only temporary and you will get through it. Find some positive affirmations that you can repeat to yourself when needed, such as “I am capable of meeting this challenge” or “I will figure this out”. Start by signing up to my email series on ‘Dismantling your Limiting Beliefs‘.
Life will sometimes throw unexpected challenges to us. Look at what the COVID pandemic has done to the world over the past few years. It has changed so many things, the way we work, socialise and live our lives. Sometimes, these challenges can be overwhelming and it seems like everything is in the too-hard basket.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. You can choose to remain in the trenches and do nothing, hoping that things will just sort itself out. But more often than not, things will only get worse. Or you can take charge of the situation, reset and get back on track by creating a new plan of attack. The latter may require some effort, but it’s always worth it in the end. And remember – you’re not alone. We’re all in this together!
When was the last time you felt overwhelmed by work? What did you do to reset and get back on track? Share your experiences and tips in the comments section below.