Surely, you’ve heard someone say they work better under pressure, but very possibly, they’re confusing working efficiently, productively, and motivated—with a touch of adrenaline—with the severe stress that can come from an unmanageable workload. In this post, we want to talk to you about this concept: working under pressure. We’ll give you tips to better manage your nerves, learn to prioritize tasks, and—very importantly—take a break when you need it most. If you also feel like you’ve been working under pressure lately, keep reading.
The question seems simple, but it’s not, because we can easily confuse a demanding job with being pressured—something that doesn’t help the workflow at all. First of all, this pressure doesn’t necessarily come from the technical demands or advanced knowledge a task may require, but rather from the constant harassment of a boss, a tense work environment, or a high workload demanded by clients.
Of course, in any job there will be stressful moments when you have to give two hundred percent, and for that, knowing how to work under adverse conditions is a great advantage. However, if this becomes the norm every day, it can wear down and eventually burn out even the most experienced workers.
The “burnout” syndrome, or “burned-out worker” syndrome, refers exactly to what we discussed above. It’s a term that finally gives a name to this issue that many workers face when, repeatedly and over a long period, they are forced to work under high levels of stress. This can lead to severe anxiety and depression, resulting in medical leave or even resignations.
Some symptoms experienced by workers with “burnout” syndrome include:
As you know, it’s normal to experience periods or moments of heavy workload or stress, and to avoid burnout, you must know how to manage them. Below, we share five tips for working under pressure without losing your composure:
Organize and prioritize tasks: before starting, identify the most urgent and important tasks. If you’re unsure, ask your superiors—and the answer “everything is urgent” doesn’t count. Organize your workday by creating a to-do list and focus on completing the most critical tasks first. Planning helps you stay focused and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed. If you’d like, you can use digital task management tools such as Trello, Asana, or ClickUp.
Set boundaries and take breaks: it’s important to set limits in your routine to avoid exhaustion. During high-pressure periods, take time to rest and disconnect. It’s also highly recommended to take short breaks during the day—use them to do some office stretches, rest your eyes, breathe deeply, or take a short walk. These breaks will help you maintain mental clarity and productivity.
Communicate and ask for help: don’t be afraid to talk to your coworkers and supervisors about your workload and needs. If you feel the workload is too overwhelming, seek support or delegate tasks when possible. Teamwork and shared responsibilities can help relieve pressure.
Practice stress management techniques: learn and apply stress management techniques that work for you. This might include breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or any activity that helps you relax and release built-up tension.
Celebrate your achievements and recognize your effort: as you complete tasks and overcome high-pressure situations, take a moment to celebrate your accomplishments and acknowledge your hard work. This positive attitude will help you stay motivated and resilient during tough times.
Now that you know more about workplace stress and the key tips for working under pressure, what are you waiting for to put them into practice? We’ll see you at Educa.Pro!
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