Surely you have ever heard someone say that they work better under pressure, but, quite possibly, they are confusing working efficiently, productively, motivated and with some adrenaline, with the severe stress that an overwhelming workload can cause. In this post, we want to talk about this concept: working under pressure. We will give tips so that you can better manage your nerves, learn to prioritize tasks and, very importantly, so you’re able to take a break on the road when you need it most. If you also feel that you are working under pressure lately, keep reading.
What is working under pressure?
The question seems simple, but it is not because we can confuse a demanding job with being pressured, which does not help the workflow at all. In the first place, this pressure does not have to come from the technical needs or high knowledge required for a task, but it can come from the constant harassment of a boss, from a rarefied work environment or from the high demand for work for clients.
Of course, in any job, there will be moments of stress, in which you will have to give two hundred per cent, and for this, knowing how to work in adverse conditions is a great advantage, but if this becomes the general trend of day to day, can wear out and burn out even the most experienced workers.
Do you know the burnout syndrome? Anticipate your symptoms
The syndrome of “burnout” or that of the burned worker, refers just to what we talked about in the previous point. Finally, a name has been given to this anomaly suffered by many workers, which occurs when, recurrently and prolonged over time, they are forced to work under a high level of stress. This can cause serious symptoms of anxiety and depression, ending in casualties or, directly, in resignations.
Some of the symptoms that workers with burnout syndrome present are:
- Emotional exhaustion: feeling without energy to face work or personal demands.
- Depersonalization: Developing negative attitudes and feelings toward work, colleagues, or the people you serve, adopting an attitude of emotional detachment.
- Reduced work performance: experiencing a significant decrease in work performance.
- Emotional disconnection – Feeling that emotions are dulled or desensitized, which can lead to a lack of empathy and concern for others.
- Dissatisfaction and demotivation: feeling generally dissatisfied and demotivated with work and even in the personal field.
- Interpersonal relationship difficulties: Starting to have more conflicts or problems with co-workers than usual.
- Physical symptoms: such as headaches, muscle pain, digestive problems or sleep disorders.
- Reduced self-esteem: Feelings of ineffectiveness and low self-esteem related to work.
- Increased anxiety: Unfounded worries, nervousness and tensions in the work environment increase.
How should you work under pressure? 5 tips to get out of stress peaks
As you know, at times or short periods of time there are peaks of work or stress, it is normal, and in order not to end up burned out, you have to know how to manage them. Here are five tips to work under pressure and not die trying:
Organize and prioritize tasks – Before you start, identify the most urgent and priority tasks. If you don’t know them, ask your superiors, and the answer: “everything is for yesterday” is not valid. Organize your work day by establishing a to-do list and focusing on completing the most important activities first. Planning will help you stay focused and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. If you want, you can help yourself with digital tools for task management such as Trello, Asana or Clickup.
Set limits and breaks – It is important to set limits in the routine to avoid burnout. During periods of high pressure, take time to rest and unwind. It is also highly recommended that you take short breaks during the day, taking the opportunity to stretch in the office, 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 peers and superiors about your workload and needs. If you feel the workload is too overwhelming, seek support or delegate tasks where possible. Working as a team and sharing responsibilities can take the pressure off.
Practice stress management techniques – Learn and apply stress management techniques that work for you. This could include breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or any activity that helps you relax and release pent-up tension.
Celebrate your accomplishments and recognize your effort – As you complete tasks and overcome high-pressure moments, take a moment to celebrate your accomplishments and acknowledge the effort you’re putting in. This positive attitude will help you stay positive and stay motivated during difficult periods.
Now that you know something more about stress at work and the fundamental tips for working under pressure, what are you waiting for to put them into practice? We are waiting for you at Educa.Pro!