Encountering stress in the workplace is a frequent experience that can impact anyone. Despite concerns about coming across as inefficient in front of your superiors or disappointing your peers, it’s crucial for your mental well-being and professional development to admit when you are overwhelmed and seek help. Here are eight techniques to effectively convey your feelings of being overwhelmed at work rather than pretending everything is “fine,” enabling you to recover, boost your productivity, and regain confidence.
1. Steer clear of falling into the trap of being “too busy.”
Claiming to be “incredibly busy” might create a false sense of importance but isn’t a sustainable approach. Being constantly busy can lead to health issues, fatigue, irritability, and decreased productivity, impeding your ability to address feeling overwhelmed at work.
Instead, honestly assess your daily tasks and ask yourself important questions: Are your priorities clear? Which tasks always remain unfinished (and do they need completion)? What can be delegated to a colleague? Evaluating how you use your time is a crucial initial step in understanding how to make positive changes.
2. Be truthful about what you are uncertain of.
It’s acceptable to acknowledge what you don’t know rather than pretending otherwise to appear competent. Admitting gaps in your knowledge can lead to valuable learning opportunities and prevent wasting time and energy trying to solve problems independently.
Instead of silently struggling, approach your manager with a readiness to learn: “I lack experience in this area but am eager to learn. Could you provide guidance to help me get started?” Seeking help where necessary can enhance your skills and efficiency in the long run.
3. Share your concerns with a trusted colleague.
When experiencing heightened stress at work, confiding in a trusted coworker can offer relief and clarity. Taking a brief moment to express your worries and then refocusing can help you regain composure and perspective.
Discussing your challenges with someone can root you in reality and potentially lead to solutions. Simply sharing your schedule with a colleague and expressing your need to lighten certain tasks can help you identify areas where you can reduce pressure to meet deadlines.
4. Seek input from individuals outside your usual circle.
When encountering challenges, consider seeking advice from individuals not directly linked to your team, industry, or organization. This fresh perspective can help you overcome creative obstacles and gain clarity on your goals.
Recognize that collaboration and diverse viewpoints often lead to better outcomes. Instead of trying to tackle problems alone, give yourself the chance to benefit from varied insights and joint efforts before finalizing tasks.
5. Learn to turn down additional responsibilities.
While being seen as the reliable “go-to” person at work may seem advantageous, constantly accepting more tasks can heighten your stress levels. Understand that saying no to additional commitments can be a proactive measure to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
Quality over quantity is crucial; overwhelming yourself with tasks can worsen workplace stress. If you feel overwhelmed, concentrate on refining your current workload rather than adding more responsibilities. politely decline requests that don’t align with your priorities and consider redirecting them to suitable colleagues.
6. Differentiate temporary challenges from ongoing issues.
Recognizing the variance between temporary periods of high workload and chronic sources of stress is vital. If you anticipate intense work phases, mentally prepare to navigate them effectively.
If you notice that your stress levels persist and feel overwhelming, consider discussing your concerns with your supervisor. Seeking support and reevaluating your workload may be necessary to alleviate ongoing pressure.
7. Prioritize breaks and emphasize their importance.
Though aiming to sustain a perfect image of productivity, neglecting breaks can harm your well-being. It’s essential to communicate the importance of taking breaks to recharge and maintain performance.
Setting boundaries and explaining your need for breaks can showcase a healthy work-life balance to your colleagues. By actively managing your energy and highlighting self-care, you can reduce the risk of burnout and enhance your overall effectiveness.
8. Propose potential solutions to your manager.
If handling your workload independently proves challenging, engaging in a constructive conversation with your supervisor may be necessary. Approach the discussion with a problem-solving focus and demonstrate your dedication to professional growth.
Instead of just expressing your distress, suggest actionable solutions and provide examples of where you need support or clarification. Maintaining a positive and composed attitude while articulating your needs will convey a proactive approach to overcoming challenges and fostering collaboration with your manager.
