It’s one of the best dilemmas to encounter: an excess of work. You’ve dedicated the hours, and as you’ve grown your business or side project, clients are now eager for your expertise. It can resemble peering down an intimidating ski slope. You know it’s going to be an exhilarating journey, having invested considerable time and effort to haul your skis uphill, yet the fear of a fall lingers.
I can relate. For the past three years, I’ve juggled a full-time position while nurturing a writing venture on the side. At 5:00 PM, my second shift commences, and it has recently extended into a third one. When the clock strikes midnight, I often come to the realization that I’m overwhelmed. Most of the time, I stave off a panic attack and do my best to push forward, but I’ve recently discovered a more effective approach.
This challenge isn’t solely faced by solopreneurs and individuals with side projects. It’s common to take on more than you can handle in any job, particularly if you’re committed and passionate about your work. Declining additional responsibilities can be particularly tough. So, when you feel inundated and observe your work-life equilibrium is skewed, here are six strategies to consider.
1. Give yourself a breather.
Constantly working can be a treacherous path regarding your overall health and productivity. Take a moment—whether it’s a deep breath or a quick pause—when you feel drained, frazzled, or blocked. Whether it’s grabbing an afternoon snack, enjoying a brief walk outdoors, or stretching, stepping away from your screen for even a few minutes to do something that rejuvenates you can have a dramatic impact on your focus, energy, and output.
2. Establish your own timelines.
It’s Monday, and your manager or client expects a project to be completed by Friday. It might seem tempting to delay it until later in the week—after all, you’ve got four days, right? Instead of procrastinating and adding to your stress, consider creating your own deadline: for example, aim to finish a portion by Wednesday and the remainder by Thursday. Taking the initiative is the most effective way to alleviate stress, and breaking the project into smaller, more manageable tasks will enhance the quality of your work. By cultivating the habit of setting personal timelines, even last-minute projects will become less daunting.
3. Be kind to yourself.
It’s simple to allow minor setbacks to dampen your spirit or let a single misstep shake your confidence in your abilities, but everyone stumbles occasionally—even the most accomplished individuals. While striving for perfection is unrealistic, extending yourself kindness is absolutely achievable. If you oversleep one morning, miss a self-imposed deadline, or become distracted and fall short of your daily objectives, don’t be discouraged. No single day or deadline defines your worth, and fixating on what went awry will only obstruct your progress. If you face a setback, concentrate on what you accomplished right that day and recognize yourself for your good efforts.
4. Prioritize the fundamentals.
No task is as significant as nurturing your family, relationships, and health. Even when confronted with tight deadlines and an overwhelming workload, it’s essential to carve out time for yourself and your loved ones. Whether it’s a quick phone chat with your mother, a leisurely walk with your partner, or an entertaining game night with your kids or friends, balancing work with personal connections will 1) maintain your sanity and 2) remind you of what truly matters in life.
5. Eliminate distractions.
Many of us are navigating work-from-home arrangements, confined to our cozy couches or kitchen tables, and some of us will remain in this mode long after the pandemic concludes. The lure of distractions is strong: the TV is right there, as is your smartphone—but any kind of screen can derail a productive day. A quick episode of a show or a scroll through social media can easily eat up your afternoon. (Refer to tip #1 for healthier mental breaks.) Reducing screen time will enable you to use your time more effectively, as well as boost your satisfaction with how you spent the day.
6. Reflect on your journey.
It’s a given: Whenever you bite off more than you can manage, stress ensues. You might even lose sight of how you reached your current standing. However, your skills and relentless drive have propelled you to the peak, and they will undoubtedly guide you back down safely—prepared for your next ascent.
