A crucial point often missed: Sometimes what feels like 'too much work' is actually your body's way of flagging misalignment. Before adding another productivity hack or time management tool, check in with your physical signals: Is that tension headache really about deadlines, or is it telling you something needs to change? Are you struggling to focus, or is your body asking for a different approach? Does your to-do list feel overwhelming, or is your nervous system signaling overload? Understanding these signals can help you respond strategically rather than just pushing through. Often, the most productive thing you can do is work with your body's natural rhythms rather than against them.

I believe that a small, focused action can break the stress cycle and give you a fresh perspective. When stress builds up, step away for a few minutes and do something simple that helps you reset. It could be stretching, taking a quick walk or even tidying up your desk.

According to a study by the American Psychological Association, 79% of employees frequently experience work-related stress due to excessive demands. To manage this effectively in a fast-paced environment, focus on prioritization and time-blocking techniques. Begin by identifying tasks that align closely with your goals and create a schedule that allocates dedicated periods to high-focus activities, avoiding interruptions. Delegation is another strategy to reduce pressure empower team members to handle tasks suited to their strengths. Incorporating short breaks between tasks can improve focus and prevent burnout, enabling sustained productivity without feeling overwhelmed.

When stressed by tasks in a fast-paced job, you'll want to check how your actions and perceptions contribute to the overload. When under pressure, you may resort to coping styles that increase the sense of overwhelm and stress. For example: How is your inner control freak responding? Are you taking on more or micro-managing others? Is your inner perfectionist spending a lot of time trying to be "just right," consuming far more time than needed for each deliverable? What about your inner people-pleaser? Are you taking on more than needed (or possible) to keep the team happy? Is your inner drama queen venting and procrastinating (instead of working)? You get the idea... check yourself before you wreck yourself with too much stress!

When you’re swamped with tasks, prioritisation and planning are your best allies. Start by identifying high-impact tasks and tackle those first—use frameworks like Eisenhower’s Matrix to distinguish urgent from important. Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps to maintain momentum. Delegate what you can to free up time for what truly needs your attention. Set boundaries by blocking focused work time and avoiding unnecessary distractions. Finally, schedule regular breaks to reset and recharge—burnout doesn’t help productivity. Managing the pace is about working smarter, not harder.