Stress Less, Achieve More — Techniques for Managing Workload Pressure

How many times per week did you feel work-related stress and workload pressure?

Juggling multiple tasks and deadlines can sometimes feel like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle. Okay, maybe not that extreme, but you get the idea. Workload pressure is real, and it can leave us feeling overwhelmed and stressed out.

Recently, I was sitting in the cafe with a friend and we both noticed people walking by with stress and anxiety visible on their faces. We started talking about how we cope with it, and I realized that I have a couple of techniques for how I do it. When I came home, I wrote down all of them and ended up with the following six. I realized that years of working with different kinds of stress made me learn how to keep my cool and get things done without sacrificing my sanity.

So, grab a cup of tea (or coffee, if that’s your jam), and let’s dive in!

Break Down Your Goals

Ever stare at a massive project and feel your heart rate skyrocket?

That’s why I’ve learned to break big tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. I set achievable milestones along the way, which not only makes the project feel less daunting but also gives me a sense of progress as I check each one off the list.

After you break down your project into smaller milestones, it is time to break those milestones into even smaller tasks. That will not only give you a sense of progress but also a sense of accomplishment every time a set of tasks closes down a milestone — it is like a small win that encourages you to keep going. This will create a huge list of tasks, but head over to the following technique to see how you can conquer that as well.

Prioritize Like a Pro

When my to-do list resembles the length of a CVS receipt, prioritization becomes my best friend. For this, I am using the Eisenhower Matrix, and it proved to be a really simple and effective way to prioritize.

I like to start by identifying the tasks that are both urgent and important. They are the first on my list to be taken care of.

Then, I tackle the less urgent but still important tasks. These are the ones that need my immediate attention

All others I delegate, or push back anything that can wait.

Learn to Delegate

Delegating is also a skill that takes you to a “pro” club.

I used to be a card-carrying member of the “If you want something done right, do it yourself” club. But you know what? That club sucks.

Learning to delegate tasks not only lightens your workload but also empowers your team members and fosters a sense of trust and collaboration. Plus, it frees up your time to focus on the things that truly require your expertise.

It is pretty simple: delegating helps me focus my energy where it matters most and prevents me from spreading myself too thin.

Embrace the Power of No

Speaking of spreading myself too thin, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’m only human (which a lot of people forget). And that means I have limits.

Saying “no” can be tough, especially when you want to please everyone, but learning to set boundaries is crucial for preserving your mental health. So, don’t be afraid to politely decline that extra project or social invitation if it means protecting your time and sanity.

If you are not sure if you can make it to an extra few gatherings or expect some interesting projects, just head down to your Eisenhower Matrix again to see your priorities before you make the final decision.

Take Regular Breaks

I used to subscribe to the “work until you drop” mentality, but I quickly realized that it’s a one-way ticket to Burnout City.

Now, I make it a priority to take regular breaks throughout the day. For short breaks, I use the Pomodoro Technique, and for longer breaks, I take a quick walk around the block, a five-minute meditation session, or just stepping away from my desk to stretch, these mini mental resets help me recharge and stay focused.

You can read more about these and how to ritualize your day in my other article right here.

Celebrate Your Wins

In the midst of a hectic schedule, it’s easy to overlook your accomplishments and move right on to the next thing.

From theatre actors I have learned to take the time to celebrate my wins no matter how small. Why from theatre actors, you may ask? After the play, they would gather in the after-play party and enjoy the win of yet another job well done — it is essential for maintaining motivation and morale.

So, whether it’s treating yourself to a fancy coffee or doing a little happy dance in your living room, don’t forget to pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

These techniques have been game-changers for me, but don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your own stress-busting strategies.

At the end of the day, managing workload pressure is all about finding what works best for you. And remember, you’ve got this!

So take a deep breath, tackle that to-do list one task at a time, and don’t forget to cut yourself some slack along the way.