In my emotional intelligence training and coaching, I've had the opportunity to work with scores of mompreneurs, CEOs and business owners across the globe.
Guess what a common challenge is for many?
Yep, OVERWHELM.
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
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Feeling overwhelmed is an unpleasant and stifling experience that often leads to stress and anxiety. This fatigue arises when we try to juggle too many responsibilities at once or demand an unrealistic amount of tasks completed in a given time frame.
The origins of feeling overwhelmed often begin with a lack of self-awareness and the acceptance—although erroneous—of the idea that overwhelming feelings are "normal."
We might pack our schedules based on others' expectations or perceived obligations and lose sight of what truly matters to us. Recognizing that we have the power to choose our responses and responsibilities is the first step towards alleviating stress.
Instead of operating under the belief that we "have to" do something, we can acknowledge that we always have choices. This simple mind shift is crucial.
How Do You Sustain Productivity Without Stress, Burnout, and Overwhelm?
The Power of Choice in Managing Overwhelm
Acknowledging our freedom to choose can be incredibly liberating. When we feel cornered by our obligations, it's essential to pause and reassess.
Our feelings of overwhelm are signals prompting us to take action or reevaluate our priorities.
Some possible questions you might ask yourself are:
- What important information are my overwhelming feelings alerting me of?
- Are there tasks I can delegate?
- Who can I ask for help?
- Am I trying to control the outcome by not accepting assistance?
- Is it possible to request an extension of the timeline?
- Is the pressure real or imagined?
- Can I break down tasks into manageable pieces
By embracing the choices available to us, we regain control over our lives and reduce the pressure we impose on ourselves. This empowered mindset can transform the way we approach challenges, reducing anxiety and enhancing productivity.
Transforming Perfectionism into Efficiency
Perfectionism is a killer for productivity; it is one of the main causes of overwhelming feelings. Many a perfectionist has striven to do everything flawlessly, expending enormous energy on tasks that rarely give a positive return on the investment of effort and attention.
An employee I once hired spent excessive time researching without producing anything. She went down the information black hole, spending hours that should have been limited to fifteen or thirty minutes. "Research" often cloaks a slick form of procrastination rooted in a lack of confidence and fear of disapproval.
Reflect on your daily activities and consider which ones truly demand the closest proximity to perfection. This simple reflection can help you allocate your energy more efficiently.
Also, getting more comfortable with imperfection allows us to focus on what truly matters. Relaxing around perfectionism boosts both productivity and peace of mind. It also creates the torque that requires us to face underlying feelings screaming at us, but muzzled by our drive for perfect!
Related reading: "Best Ways to Raise Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace."
EQ Strategies and Mindsets to Boost Productivity
You've probably been guilty of skipping exercise for weeks or dropping self-care to "get things done!"
Don't.
Renewing ourselves doesn't mean spending a day downhill skiing (even though I know plenty of employees who skip work and call in sick to do so!)
There are many small and medium ways to press our reset button without even stepping outside or leaving our desks.
Caring for Our Well-Being Is Crucial to Productivity
Studies show that productivity increases by taking mental breaks, exercising, and other forms of self-care.
The first key to sustainable productivity is considering your self-care and scheduling it as if it's a high value priority.
Productivity and burnout are antonyms.
Productivity plummets when we are not at our best or our basic needs are competing with what we're trying to accomplish.
As stated by PubMed Central, "...low overall well-being typically results in low productivity through several processes: a drain in energy, increased distractions while at work, negative emotions about work resulting in withdrawal of effort from one's job, or an inability to attend work or perform well."
Don't underestimate the importance of self-care.
In my practice, sometimes, getting out to exercise is challenging.
Here's an under-the-desk treadmill that's currently on my purchasing list (and birthday wish list) for the office, especially needed for these long Montana winters when my schedule is busy and doesn't accommodate for skiing. (I'm also considering this walking pad for at home to replace our gigantic treadmill that takes up half a room!)
Find an activity to care for yourself. Ignoring your well-being is a recipe for burnout and lower productivity. Take care of you and observe how much better you'll feel.
Emotional Intelligence Is a Key Component of Higher Productivity
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is another vital component in achieving sustainability of a balanced and fulfilling life.
By understanding, regulating, and managing our emotions, we can better navigate challenges and maintain equilibrium between work and personal responsibilities. Emotional Intelligence involves self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills—all crucial for managing stress and enhancing productivity.
When we cultivate EQ, we become more adept at recognizing when we’re veering towards overwhelm, allowing us to take proactive steps to address it. This heightened awareness enables us to set healthy boundaries that protect our time and energy, fostering a more harmonious balance between work and life.
Books on Emotional Intelligence for Greater Understanding. Or go deep with an emotional intelligence class.
Practical Steps to Integrate EQ into Your Daily Routine
Integrating EQ learning and work-life balance into daily life doesn’t have to be all-consuming. Personal and professional goals will help you keep a good balance.
Start small.
Set aside time for introspection. Reflect on your emotions and identify patterns that lead to stress. Or find a practice like journaling that can help you process your feelings. Tracking your progress allows you to gain insights and grow your emotional literacy.
The most important practice is LISTENING TO YOURSELF!
Much of reduced productivity and increased overwhelming feelings is directly related to how much you ignore your needs and your inner promptings.
Find an activity that rejuvenates you and is a turn-key to feeling your best. For me, nature and movement are incredibly significant for me. Without these powerful two, my productivity tanks. When I'm at the office, sometimes, I'll take a short walk even in the winter to breathe deep and get outside or I'll take a longer walk before or after work.
Another great practice is taking breaks to do yoga stretches at your desk. This simple addition can make the difference whether or not you stress or increase your productivity.
Achieving self-awareness and mindfulness will sharpen your productivity AND inner peace! The more tools we have in our toolbox, the less prone we are to fall victim to our own bad choices.
Related reading: "Know the Difference Between Healthy vs Chronic Stress."