Overwhelmed at Work? How to Cope

If you are feeling overwhelmed at work, you will know that it isn't a nice feeling. Everyone feels overwhelmed at one time or another, but if you can't see your way out of it and can't see a light at the end of the tunnel, here are a few ideas to help you handle this tricky time: 

Do You Need to Delegate?

Maybe you just have too much work to cope with now? You might have some personal issues that are making it more difficult to stay on top of your work than usual? Whatever the reason, if you continue to feel overwhelmed it is important to let someone know and delegate or speak to a sympathetic manager that can help you do that. Don't continue to battle on alone and ignore the issue; that won't help anyone.

Have You Been Trained Properly?

At times, people are thrown into jobs that they just aren't trained for. Take a step back from your situation and see if you can get a sense whether that is what has happened to. You could ask a trusted co-worker for their feedback. If you feel you need further training or mentoring, work out the best way to ask for that and then take action. 

Do you Need to Be More Organized?

When your work load or responsibilities increase, it can mean that its time to up your organizational skills. Firstly, look a what the main cause of your overwhelm is and what will make the biggest difference to your stress levels.

• Could you use a diary, if you don't already? 
• What bad habits could you eliminate? (Leaving filing too long so you get yourself disorganized, not writing down appointments for example)
• Could you spend ten minutes at the beginning of each work day to plan your day and at the end of the day to evaluate how its gone?
• Could you work smarter?

Switch Off

When you are feeling overwhelmed, it can become harder to switch off from work, which creates a vicious and unproductive circle. Stay healthy, eat well and exercise and try and leave the office on time. Maintaining healthy routines and not bringing stress home with you will help you ride it out.

Ask for Support

When you are feeling overwhelmed it can be hard to see the wood for the trees. Don't be too hard on yourself; it will just add to the stress. Imagine what you would say to a co-worker in this situation. Make sure you ask for the support you need.

Bio: Jen Smith is a Life Coach, Mentor & Writer. She has tried many career paths herself and now helps people achieve their goals and dreams.