What do you do when you feel overwhelmed at work?

Question

Either by the difficulty of a project?
Or by the expected ETAs?

Answer 1

I let out a big juicy fart to ease the tension. This works well in board meetings!
If that doesn't work, then I go use the restroom. I just sit on the potty and collect my thoughts. Hearing Celine Dion usually makes me more tense, so steer clear of her music during these times!

Answer 2

I try to remind myself that my work should be enjoyable for the most part. If it isn't......... I look for a different job, because I realize I am spending a very large part of my life working. My job says much about who I am.
If I'm not happy it will show through in my work. Just as much as if I don't like my type of work it will make me unhappy in my life and that will show through also. If I like my job and find fulfillment with my job, but seem overwhelmed. I just take one task at a time. Sometimes I break it down into day's or if it's real tough, even minutes.
I know that sounds unimportant, but if I feel I am the best person to be doing my job and I am willing to take that responsibility, I have faith I can do it.
"Don't ask for tasks equal to your abilities, ask for abilities equal to your task's."
I read that somewhere, and have always found it very inspiring.

Answer 3

I find that by mentally removing myself from the work/situation, it allows me to calm down. When I say mentally removing myself, I am talking about meditation. Meditation can be done quite simply by concentrating on taking deep breaths for as short a time as needed, it is very calming. I also tell myself that I can and will do the best that I am able to. Once I have calmed myself and go back to the work/situation, I find that I can move forward with more confidence, and usually come up with new ideas for dealing with the problem.

Answer 4

There's really no other feeling for me than overwhelmed while I'm at work because a few of my co-workers like to push their duties onto me.
I sit in my chair for a minute, not doing anything, and try to get my thoughts together. Then I look around at all the things I have to do to sort them out in my mind. I organize them in my mind and then get to work on them the way I had it planned. It usually works out and only lasts a few minutes.

Answer 5

I ask my boss for a 5 minute breather (smoke break) then while im out i prioritise what needs to be done in store kinda like putting the big things first then doing small things last as it gets the hardest jobs out of the way

Answer 6

Ok some of these are pretty funny. I think exercising doesn't really do much to clear my head, but laughter does. Go to a funny website like The Onion or call a friend and try to make stupid jokes.

Remember to breathe too.....

Answer 7

Try to stay focused.
I let the phone messages go to voice mail and shut the door and just get to it.
I find it easiest to concentrate by coming in early when nobody is around. Staying late is less productive because you are already tired from your day.

Answer 8

Stop and take stock of the situation. Prioritize. If it's a time concern, I might take it up with the brass to make sure our priorities are in sync, or ask for support from other staff members.

Answer 9

I walk away from the situation, pass it off to a co-worker, take a smoke break, and or even throw it across the room.

Answer 10

i take a coffee break..

or go look at some scenery.. take a walk to get the mind away from the work awhile..

or turn on the music and sing out loud! haha.. maybe not out loud.. but perhaps hum softly..

hope these tips help!