Managing Stress in Multi-task Project Work

I’m currently working on so many projects for personal and professional reasons that I’m now dreaming about them. And everything reminds me of them. And I sort of don’t remember life before them. If I wasn’t too careful, this abundance in projects that I love could easily slip into an overload of pending projects thus creating stress. I manage myself before it gets there. At times when I see the signs that it may be creeping up….my phone just won’t stop ringing, five people just spoke to me at once, ten thoughts keep cycling through my head without any focus….it is then that I begin managing myself even more intentional.

First, I breathe. Have you ever noticed how in the most hectic moments, you find yourself struggling and gulping for breath. Somehow we forget to just breathe. As everything is piling up and deadlines are approaching and more things are being asked of you at such a hurried pace….just take a moment and breathe. This will help for those of you who are apt to lash out, become short tempered and morph into screaming banchees. While breathing, focus only on the breath.

Second, I write everything down. Sometimes I use scrap paper. I use my journal. I use a big blackboard. Post it notes. Whatever I have handy. (Every project I work on has its own notebook, worksheet and spreadsheet.)  Just take the time to write everything down. Didn’t someone just call you and ask for something. Didn’t you just remember an important date? Don’t you need to grab milk from the store before you go home? Write down all these thoughts that are bearing down on your mind. Right now every task keeps popping in and out scooting the thought before it out the way. Its difficult to focus. But writing it all down, you can see it and visualize it. (You may even realize at this point, its not so bad!)

Third, I prioritize my list of written task. I use a simple scale  of 1,2,3 to order my task. 1 needs to be done right now or by the end of the day. 2 can be completely tomorrow. 3 can be completed by the end of the week. This makes the list even better. You realize, in the next three hours, there are actually only two things that you REALLY must complete. Sure you have 30 things on your list but there are only two you need to hone in on right this very second.

Fourth, I take a break. I walk away from it all. I might go outside and walk around the block. I might grab a snack. (I’m really into organic pomegranate popsicles as my snack of choice!) I don’t do this first because if I don’t visualize and  prioritize my thoughts my walk will be a waste. The entire time I’d be thinking of all the things I need to do. Therefore I organize my task and thoughts first, then I give myself a break.

Fifth, I seek assistance, delegate and leverage the use of others. Sometimes I can’t do it all. If there is a team member who could assist me. If there is a friend that could do it faster. If there is a service that can make it easier….I seek those things out.

Sixth, I shut down distractions. Now that I’ve gotten a handle on my workload and what needs to be done, I do away with distractions. Log off facebook, twitter and youtube. (Unless that’s your job. ) Turn off the tv, radio and your cell phone. (but…but….but….) Nope, you should do it. Sometimes the distraction could be other people. There are times when I arrive early to work and stay late just so that I can have an hour of uninterrupted time to myself to just get things done

Seventh, I eat the frog. Usually somewhere on my list there is that one thing I don’t want to do. Maybe its the hardest thing. Or the tedious thing. All I know is that its something. There is usually a frog on the list. I have realized over the years, eating the frog first makes the rest so much easier!

Eighth, I give myself credit for every task completed. I didn’t say I give myself a cookie or a new pair of shoes. I just give myself credit. A nod of approval. A smile of worthiness. A sense of delight. I’m my own cheerleader. Sure the praise of others is nice but there is nothing like knowing yourself without the need for validation that you are truly awesome! And when I complete a task even if its just to return a call or file away my bills, I give myself permission to enjoy the completion. I also take huge satisfaction is crossing things off the list with a pen! Feels so good.

In the future to try to avoid situations like this to

1. Write things down as you go. (There’s always something you’re apt to forget. Unless you’re above that kind of thing. I’m not!)

2. Use a calendar, planner, and/ or journal. (I use all three. If I have a six key guide to how I highlight in my books, you best believe the rest of my life is reflective as such too. I’m big on organization!)

3. Stay organized. (Aside from organizing your life, your task and your fridge…develop a system for staying organized. You have to evaluate how you actually function and tackle things and your organization should work with that system in mind. For example, subject type works best for me. Not numerical order. Alphabetical order. Color code or anything of that sort but subject type. My bookcase might look random to you but its ordered by subject matter according to me. Just ask me where any of my 500+ books are and I can immediately pull it for you! Same goes for my various files. Same goes for a lot of my systems!)

4. Know that you are in control of your emotions, your life, your responses and how you take things in. Therefore keep yourself  in check and keep it professional.

Photo Credit 1

Photo Credit 2

Photo Credit 3

Photo Credit 4

Print PDF

Share/Bookmark