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1 March 2023

How to get over that feeling of overwhelm in your business

Feeling overwhelmed typically means feeling like you have too much to handle or manage all at once, and that you don’t have the resources like time, energy or support to manage it all effectively.

People can experience overwhelm in a variety of situations, and not uncommon to hear from business owners when they are trying to manage too many conflicting demands and from different people. Overwhelm can also arise from external factors, like a sudden change or crisis. 

The experience of overwhelm will vary from person to person, but common symptoms include feeling stressed, anxious, irritable or having difficulty concentrating or making decisions, feeling physically exhausted or rundown and experiencing a sense of helplessness or hopelessness. 

Please take the steps to manage your stress and seek support if required. Help may include prioritising your tasks, delegating responsibilities where possible, taking breaks and practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. Please reach out to a friend, trusted advisor in your professional network, coach or mentor or health professional for mental health support. 

If your team is feeling overwhelm, you can try the following suggestions:

1. Communicate, communicate, communicate, and regularly on what is going on in the business and what challenges you are facing and how you plan to address them. Encourage your team to speak up and express their concerns.

2. Help your team to prioritise their tasks and responsibilities. Ensure everyone knows what needs to be done first and why.

3. Be realistic with your expectations and ensure your goals are achievable.

4. Encourage your team to take regular breaks throughout the day to refocus and recharge.

5. Celebrate success and accomplishments with your team and recognise their hard work and dedication.

Let’s chat about how you manage that feeling of overwhelm and share the knowledge.