what to do when you have a work overload

In a society that prizes hard work, it can be hard to tell when we are working too hard. Remember your work life shouldn’t eclipse your personal life. If you think you are suffering from work overload, here’s how to handle it;

Don’t bite off more than you can chew

The work place can be competitive, which means you want to stay ahead of the pack when it comes to promotions and sponsorship. That does not mean you should try to impress your boss by taking on so many additional tasks that your day-to-day job suffers.

Watch out for flattery

Even if your coworker tells you that you are the best at doing a particular assignment, remember that you have your own responsibilities. If you think you are being taken advantage of by a peer, keep an eye on such person’s workload.

Write out a plan

When you have too many obligations, it can be easy to lose track of little things. Don’t get stuck wondering, “Did I send that email?” Update your work calendar with time sensitive tasks and keep a to-do list on your desk.

Take a break

It may seem counterintuitive to stop working, but a mental break will help in the long run. When you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, don’t let your emotions boil over. Take a break and listen to music, read an interesting article or take a walk.

Talk to your boss

If your workload has grown insurmountable, do something about it. Your boss won’t realize there’s a problem if you don’t say something. Speak to him or her before your work begins to suffer, and explain that in order to maintain quality, you need to discuss priorities.

Check your number one priority

Figure out what your main concerns are. While work is important, your number one priority should be your health, both physical and mental. If you struggle with putting yourself first, don’t be afraid to seek an outside opinion.