What do you do if you're feeling overwhelmed and stressed in the early stages of your career?

In case you are feeling overwhelmed, find a trusted advisor or an experienced folk outside your work. Talk to them and let them know about your fears. They will guide you through. Usually, the people in the organization might perceive your overwhelming behaivour as inefficient which can result in the bad feedback and unnecessary politics later. However, if you are in an ethical organization where they take mentorship seriously, that might not be the case indeed. This way, you can ensure that the solutions to your problems can be found out in the best way possible. Also remember, there are many fishes in the sea. Not every first job would give you a great jumpstart. So don't get into the mode of self blame unnecessarily.

1. Try to figure out what exactly is causing your stress. Is it a heavy workload, unclear expectations, or a fear of making mistakes? 2. Break down your tasks into smaller, manageable steps. 3. Prioritize them based on deadlines and importance.. 4. Creating a to-do list to organize the work. 5. Don't hesitate to ask for help or advice from colleagues, mentors, guides, or supervisors. 6. Allow yourself short breaks throughout the day to recharge. 7. Pay attention to your physical and mental health. 8. Take proper sleep and do yoga daily. 9. Understand that setbacks and challenges are part of the learning process.

Stress can destroy souls and hurt one's motivation. Please look for a mentor. Please talk about it with others of like mind. Please talk with your friends and family. Please go to a counselor. Please understand that careers can be changed. Perhaps the company you are working at or the person you are reporting to is not a good fit with you. Sometimes a company or team's culture is not what is right for you. Move on and look for a better fit and possibly consider a career change. Do not be afraid of change. Change is good.

In my recent encounters, how I navigate through a tough situation as such was to consult a senior or a Subject Matter Expert(SME) within my circle. With this, I will be able to garner their perspective and understand why they do what they do and with that understanding, it helps to alleviate my anxiousness and feeling too overwhelmed. What would you do if you were in such a situation?

Feeling overwhelmed early in your career is something many of us can relate to. One approach I've found effective is to seek guidance from experienced leaders who've navigated similar challenges. For instance, when I was starting out, I felt swamped with deadlines and expectations. I reached out to a seasoned colleague who shared their strategies for prioritizing tasks and managing stress. Their advice not only helped me regain my focus but also built a valuable mentorship relationship. By learning from those who've walked the path before us, we can gain valuable insights and navigate the early stages of our careers with more confidence and resilience. Remember, reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Identify tasks based on their urgency and importance. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps and tackle them one at a time. Consider using tools like Eisenhower's Urgent/Important Principle to categorize tasks effectively. For example, if you're overwhelmed with multiple deadlines, prioritize tasks based on their deadlines and impact on overall goals.

Efficient time management is crucial for reducing stress. Use techniques like time blocking or the Pomodoro Technique to allocate specific periods for focused work and breaks. Utilize productivity tools such as calendars, task managers, or project management software to organize your schedule effectively. By managing your time efficiently, you can enhance productivity and alleviate stress.

It is common in the early stages of our career to feel stressed and overwhelmed due to 1. Feeling the need and obligation to be perfect at everything 2. Taking on more work than possible and capable 3. Inability to say NO to superiors 4. Unable to prioritise tasks and time effectively. In all these scenarios it's imperative that we set boundaries where 1. We try our best but learn to accept our imperfections too 2. Develop assertive communication skills to be able to say No assertively and respectfully when it's practically impossible to take on more work 3. Learn to prioritise tasks with the help of tools like writing to-do list, Urgent important matrix, pomodoro technique and time blocking tasks.

Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life to prevent burnout. For instance, avoid checking work emails or taking calls during off-hours unless absolutely necessary. Communicate your boundaries to colleagues and supervisors to ensure they respect your personal time. Setting boundaries helps maintain a healthy work-life balance and reduces stress levels.

Identify what truly matters to you. What needs to get done and what can wait. It's ok to ask for what you need and want. Set realistic expectations for yourself and be honest about what you can and can't make time for. Practice self-compassion. Be aware of self sabotage from negative self talk. Be gentle while you are practicing making changes. Learn to let go of relationships that doin't serve you. Prioritize self-care so you feel confident about who you are. When you invest in yourself and show yourself you are worthy of love, you don't let others walk all over you.

Seeking support from those who have experience in your position/field is going to be a key for you. They've been where you are right now and can tell you what worked for them, what didn't, and suggest things to try. From the advice you get, you'll be able to try your own ways and figure out what works for you.

Seeking support when overwhelmed and stressed in the early stages of your career is important because it helps you feel better emotionally, get useful advice, and avoid feeling isolated, which can lead to personal and professional growth. By reaching out to others, you can gain new perspectives and strategies that contribute to your personal and professional development, ultimately helping you navigate challenges more effectively.

Connect with peers or join professional networks where you can share experiences and seek advice. Engaging in discussions with others facing similar challenges can provide valuable insights and emotional support. Additionally, consider joining mentoring programs or seeking guidance from senior professionals in your field.

Prioritize self-care activities to maintain your physical and mental well-being. Engage in activities such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies that help you relax and recharge. Make sure to get adequate sleep and nutrition to support your overall health. By prioritizing self-care, you'll be better equipped to handle stress and perform optimally in your career.