If you have ever felt overwhelmed, beat, tired, and burned out at work and in life, it could be because of the “too much to do / can’t stop now” syndrome.
Are you one of those people who can’t seem to stop “doing?”
I have yet to meet anyone who has not felt overwhelmed from time to time.
Since it tends to feel uncomfortable, if not unpleasant, we tend to view it as negative and a weakness.
We don’t dare to admit we are overwhelmed or dare to talk about it, which can leave us feeling isolated and alone, further exacerbating the feeling.
We often deny we are overwhelmed because we do not know how to stop the frenetic behavior that leads to this feeling. So we do nothing.
Our employers, colleagues, or friends often do not help support us in stopping overworking.
Why do we do this to ourselves?
Primarily, this syndrome occurs in our work life, but it can carry over to our personal and family lives, and it frequently does.
Focusing on projects often begins with good intentions, but we can quickly and easily be overwhelmed if we do not have a plan to minimize and balance our work.
Getting the project finalized for your team, writing the copy for your website, designing the new sales brochure, or completing the 90-day marketing plan is extremely important – but having a balanced, healthy life is equally important.
This stressful pattern is telling you to change your life.
Once you get this message, it is easier to identify the steps you need to take to shift out of the behavior quickly.
But there is another way – if you are willing to make some changes in your mindset and lifestyle.
This blog will discuss what this syndrome is, how it affects us, and strategies for overcoming it so that we can live a more balanced life.
Come along as we look at a few tips and tricks to help lighten your burden so that when all is said and done, you will be victorious over this bleak chapter in your life!
What is the “Too Much to Do Syndrome?”
The “too much to do / can’t stop now” syndrome is when people take on too much work or responsibilities without realizing how much they are taking on.
It is the feeling of being overwhelmed and unable to manage the workload.
This syndrome often leads to burnout as people get exhausted from constantly trying to keep up with their responsibilities.
How Does This Syndrome Affect Us?
When we are in this state of feeling overwhelmed and unable to keep up with our responsibilities, it can lead to decreased productivity as well as feelings of anxiety and depression.
We often deny we are feeling overwhelmed because we don’t know how to stop ourselves from working so hard, yet we still feel like we are not doing enough.
Additionally, our employers or colleagues may not always be aware of our struggles, making it even more difficult for us to receive help or support when needed.
Strategies for Overcoming the “Too Much To Do Syndrome”
The first step in overcoming this syndrome is recognizing that you need help and that you cannot do everything yourself.
Once you have identified this problem, there are several strategies you can use in order to overcome it, such as:
- Creating a plan for yourself by setting achievable goals,
- Delegating tasks where possible,
- Taking breaks throughout the day,
- Getting organized with your time management skills,
- Learning how to say no when necessary and
- Prioritizing tasks based on importance rather than urgency.
Additionally, talking about your struggles with supportive friends or family members can also help give you perspective on your situation so that you don’t feel like you are going through this alone.
Following are helpful strategies gleaned from my personal experience and from my work with coaching clients who are burned out, growing cranky, frustrated, and even depressed.
These strategies immediately diminish feelings of being overwhelmed so you can refocus and make some work/life balance decisions.
1. Stop what you are doing for a few minutes and take a break.
- Go for a short walk,
- Sit outside under a tree,
- Meditate,
- Breathe deeply,
- Go to a movie,
- Call a friend to have coffee and share what is happening.
2. Get a piece of paper and make two columns.
- In one column, list urgent things you need to do this week.
- In the other column, list those projects you can delegate, hire, or barter.
3. Eliminate, eliminate, eliminate.
- Unsubscribe from all unnecessary e-mail,
- Organize your desk and office to decrease clutter,
- Stop attending meetings,
- Get off committees and
- Decrease volunteering at fundraisers unless you have a total passion for the organization and the cause.
4. Do not spend time with people whom you do not like.
- Assess your friends and business colleagues.
- Do they support and honor who you are?
- Don’t spend time with them if they are negative or don’t share your vision for your dreams.
5. Decide what is most important in your life.
- If you want a balanced life, you will have to make changes in your life to allow this to happen.
- That takes some time and planning, but it will be well worth the improvement in your life!
6. Take an action step today to make a change in your life!
- Call a friend who will support you,
- Take a class to get organized, or
- Work with a coach who will support and motivate you to have a more balanced life.
Conclusion
The “too much to do / can’t stop now” syndrome is something many people experience but don’t talk about because they don’t know what else they could possibly do.
Or how they could possibly take a break from all their commitments.
However, by recognizing this problem and implementing some manageable strategies into your daily routine, such as goal setting or delegating tasks where possible, it is possible to overcome this overwhelming feeling while still achieving success in both your work life and personal life.
So, if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by too much work or responsibility, remember that there are tools available that will allow you to find balance again.
Understanding your options does not have to feel overwhelming.
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This blog was written by Ursula Gouws, Debt Strategist and Registered Debt Counsellor (NCRDC3783).
Important: The information contained in this blog is provided for general information purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, financial or professional advice.
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