What to Do if You Feel Overwhelmed at Work
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If you're like most employees in 2022, you've probably thought of feeling "overwhelmed" at work. However, according to Brené Brown, a researcher and vulnerability and courage expert, saying "overwhelmed" when you don't mean it can put you in danger.
Are we overwhelmed or stressed?
In her podcast, Brown said that when we think we're overwhelmed, we tell our bodies that things are happening too fast, we can't handle them, and we must shut down.
However, we must whether we are overwhelmed or stressed. When we are stressed, we feel a lot of pressure from the outside, but we can still manage it. We know what we should do to fix the problem, and we can emotionally and logistically fix it, even if we are worried about how much time and effort it will take.
However, overwhelm indicates that we are unable to act. We can't do anything because we're so preoccupied with the stress we're under.
Brown said overwhelm is an extreme level of stress and emotional or cognitive intensity to the point that you feel you cannot function.
According to her, the big difference is we can still function in stress, but not in overwhelm.
What should you do if you're feeling incredibly stressed out or overwhelmed at work?
To begin, determine whether you're stressed or overwhelmed. When you're stressed, you'll be able to work as needed, even if it means putting in the extra effort.
If you are overwhelmed, which means that you cannot even start to get the next task done, you must do nothing.
Not just "do nothing" and go about your business as usual, but literally do nothing.
Brown said that according to research, nothingness is the only way we can reset after feeling overwhelmed.
You can walk out of your office, go to the parking lot, and just walk in circles for 10 or 15 minutes. Then, you can come back and try to reset.
Doing "nothing" does not mean you have to go to the parking lot and run a few laps, but it should not distract you with something else, such as checking social media or tending to your pet.
Doing "nothing" should mean that you are not taking any extra action to add to your feeling of overwhelm. It should mean that you are taking a full step back from your work life to reset.
Brown said that now she does not use the word overwhelm, unless she's ready to walk out and do nothing for 10 to 15 minutes.