Here we are - from being overwhelmed (a moment that eventually passes), to overwhelm - a common, unpleasant destination that is difficult to move beyond. More than a few mental health professionals, organizational gurus, and business leaders have weighed in on the signs, negative impacts and solutions for this phenomenon.
Basically, overwhelm is the intense stress accompanied with the realization that there is 1) too much to do, 2) not enough time to get it done, 3) without an end in sight. Work life eclipses home life and lays waste to play, sleep, and all other enjoyment needed to perform optimize work. From the innumerable articles available, try the ones listed below.
1. ACKNOWLEDGE that you are doing your best and your overwhelm (feelings of burnout, imposter syndrome, incompetence, irritability, etc.,) and physical distress (i.e., insomnia, appetite changes, headaches, etc.) are legitimate.
2. TAKE TIME to itemize all of the tasks and projects that you are responsible for. Write it down and include due dates.
3. ASK a trusted, experienced colleague for help completing this 'master list.' Their fresh perspective is invaluable.
4. ITEMIZE your work day to see where your time is being spent. (Our current read, Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell is an excellent resource).
5. PRIORITIZE and DELEGATE where appropriate.
6. SEEK professional help if your mental or physical health has been adversely affected by your situation.
Owning a business, running a corporation, managing a team, and/or raising a family will always bring tremendous challenge. Overwhelm does not have be on the payroll or at the dinner table.
- Shelley Steele