You’re feeling overwhelmed at work. What’s the best way to get your focus back?

1 Identify the root cause

The first step to deal with overwhelm is to understand what is causing it. Is it a lack of time, resources, or support? Is it a conflict with a client or a colleague? Is it a personal issue that is affecting your work? Or is it simply a temporary peak of workload that will pass soon? Once you identify the source of your stress, you can take action to address it or ask for help if needed. You can also prioritize your tasks and set realistic goals that match your capacity and availability.

3 Organize your workspace

Your work environment can have a significant impact on your focus and productivity. A cluttered, noisy, or uncomfortable workspace can distract you, make you lose track of your tasks, and increase your stress levels. On the other hand, a clean, tidy, and ergonomic workspace can help you work more efficiently, comfortably, and creatively. You can organize your workspace by getting rid of unnecessary items, filing and labeling your documents, arranging your tools and materials, and adjusting your lighting, temperature, and noise levels.

4 Learn to say no

One of the reasons why you may feel overwhelmed at work is that you take on more than you can handle. You may have a hard time saying no to new projects, requests, or opportunities, either because you want to please others, prove yourself, or challenge yourself. However, this can lead to overcommitment, burnout, and poor quality of work. You need to learn to say no when you are already busy, when something is not aligned with your goals or values, or when you need to protect your time and energy. Saying no can help you focus on what matters most, respect your boundaries, and maintain your balance.

5 Seek feedback and support

Another way to cope with overwhelm at work is to seek feedback and support from others. You don't have to deal with everything alone. You can ask for advice, guidance, or help from your manager, colleagues, mentors, or peers. They can offer you valuable insights, suggestions, or solutions that can help you improve your work or solve your problems. You can also share your feelings, frustrations, or achievements with them and receive empathy, encouragement, or recognition. Seeking feedback and support can help you learn, grow, and feel more confident and connected.

6 Celebrate your wins

Finally, don't forget to celebrate your wins, no matter how big or small they are. Celebrating your wins can help you acknowledge your progress, appreciate your efforts, and reward yourself for your hard work. It can also boost your morale, motivation, and self-esteem, and inspire you to keep going and achieve more. You can celebrate your wins by treating yourself to something you enjoy, such as a meal, a movie, or a gift. You can also share your wins with others and celebrate together. Celebrating your wins can help you focus on the positive aspects of your work and overcome the negative ones.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?