Is multi-tasking you? Preparing that presentation, while answering that important call and looking after your children? While your thoughts wander to the next task, you still have to accomplish? Or maybe it's one of those busy times at the office when all is happening at once and everyone seems to need you.
We know all too well that when we perform more than one task at the same time, something eventually will not go well. Even worst, if we are stretching ourselves too thin, maybe it is us who ends up with burnout.
We call these Mental Stressors. When we have too many things on our plate, our mental energy is overwhelmed by the constant thinking of what we have to accomplish. We are unable to focus on completing the task we have in front of us.
There is something we can do.
When you are experiencing that feeling of being overwhelmed, it helps to stop and breathe. It's the first step to reset. But I have one more powerful tool in my toolbox an exercise that helped a lot of my clients.
Close your eyes. Imagine you are in a room with all the things that need to be done. Look at them. In your mind's eye, make an effort and step out of the room. How does it feel? Probably you are much calmer. Now that your mind is less cluttered, it's time to ask yourself these two questions:
" Do I need to accomplish everything today? "
"What are the tasks that need prioritising."
Now you should be ready to move to the next step and create a schedule that work for you. In your calendar don't forget to block slots that allow you to step back and recharge your batteries. Resist the temptation to use that time to continue working. It will only make you feel more drained and you will not have enough energy to effectively handle the demands of the stressful situations