Sometimes we get overwhelmed by what we have planned for ourselves. When those times come around, we often believe we have no way around what is happening to us. It is when we feel most stuck that we need the most help. Here are a few things you can do when you feel like there is too much to do and you are short on energy:
- collaborate with someone to reduce your overall workload
- e-mail people who might need to be alerted of a work slowdown on your part
- share basic daily chores with other people to ensure they are handled
- do something which requires your activity and planning, even if that means replenishing the toilet paper in the bathroom
- take shortcuts to finish your work more quickly
- combine items in your schedule to get twice as much work or errands done
- ask for a reprieve, extra help, or an extension
- take a deep breath and a good break
When you have emerged from the period of being overwhelmed, figure out how to make your next period of work time less burdensome. Can you turn down the next few assignments? Can you simplify your errand list? If you find yourself consistently feeling unable to manage your workload, examine if you have any ongoing patterns of taking on more work than you can handle. Do you over-schedule yourself in order to take care of other people's needs? To please other people? Do you do this automatically, without considering whether or not your help is required? If you think you may need help sorting these issues out, please consider consulting with a friend, mentor, or professional who can help you plan your schedule in a way that supports and meets your needs first. I believe you will feel energized when you begin to structure your schedule in a way that is manageable for you.
What actions can you do (or avoid doing) today to avoid feeling depleted tomorrow?
