More and more employees feel stretched to their limits and even overwhelmed at times. When you factor in the commute to and from work, some late nights and packed weekends, it’s challenging to get it all done. Here are three tips for when you’re feeling the pressure rising:
Work on priorities, not on what’s urgent
It’s easy to feel as if everything’s important but “If everything is important, nothing is important.” Start each day by identifying your top 1-3 priorities and focus on them. And remember, at work the only ones who have a vote are you and your boss—don’t let others pull you away from your priorities.
Take breaks
It might seem heroic to work non-stop and to eat lunch at your desk. However, both common sense and research tells us to take regular breaks. Don’t work for more than ninety minutes without taking at least a five minute break to refresh your mind. You’ll be more creative, productive and ready to continue work when you give yourself the breaks you need.
Delegate
If you don’t have anyone you can officially delegate to, do the next best thing: Ask for help. You help others out from time to time, don’t you? Allow others to return the favor and make it easy for them—by asking them for help. If you tend towards perfectionism and think others can’t meet your standards, think about what that’s costing you. Would you rather be overwhelmed or get it done—with a little help?
