Exploration
So, You’ve Left a Work Project Until the Very Last Minute. Now What?
Or perhaps you were handed something without much notice? Here's how to deal with those crazy last-minute deadlines.
It’s the end (or beginning!) of the week, and you’re stressed out and exhausted from a tough day at work. You start dreaming about finally going home and relaxing.
Not so fast!
Your boss comes storming in your office and gives you a load of tasks to finish right away. Your heart rate skyrockets and a wave of panic engulfs you. Endless catastrophic thoughts start running through your head. Will you finish everything just in time? Will you make terrible mistakes since you’re under pressure? Will you land into trouble with your manager?
Ok. First, breathe. And now, read on. These simple tips will help you cope with last-minute deadlines and work-related stress:
1. The 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise
This sounds like an obvious and trivial solution, but it can change everything. Erratic breathing will prevent you from thinking clearly and being productive.
When you’re facing a difficult task, the first thing to do is to take care of your breathing. Try the ‘4-7-8’ technique. Breathe in deeply for four seconds, before holding your breath for seven seconds. Then exhale for the duration of eight seconds.
As you breath out, imagine the stress and tension leaving your body.
Worked, didn't it?
2. Go for A Walk
Although this seems counterproductive – how on Earth can you take a break when your schedule is already tight? – but a brisk, 10-minute walk will give you just enough time to brainstorm and organise ideas.
Physical activity is also great for your brain and it will improve your cognitive skills. A short break will give you an opportunity to reflect and it will keep you on track.
3. Start with Easier Tasks
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when facing complicated and demanding tasks. Instead of tackling the biggest task, break your taxing tasks into smaller chunks and start with the easier ones. You’ll finish them quickly and they will act as a morale booster.
When you finish one task you’ll feel motivated to deal with the more difficult ones.
4. Then Tackle the Big Task
Once you tick off the smaller tasks your brain will be warmed up and ready to take on the boss of the tasks. Bring all your attention to finishing the assignment and don’t lose your precious time and energy focusing on negative thoughts.
If you get stuck and feel like you can’t complete it, allow yourself to take a small break. Stretch and grab a Red Bull (wink, wink) for quick brain power.
5. Negotiate
If you’re absolutely certain that you can’t meet the deadline, talk to your manager. Deadlines are often not that strict and many times you can get a bit of extra time to complete all the tasks. However, you shouldn’t do this often and it should be left as a last resort.
6. Finally, Believe in Yourself!
We can often be our own worst critics. Instead of beating yourself up and convincing yourself that you’re a failure, try praising yourself. Remember what you’ve been through and remind yourself of all the accomplished tasks so far.
You were there before and you nailed it. Give yourself a nice pep talk and get to work!
No matter how important work is, remember to take care of your mental and physical health. If you’re nervous and tense all the time you will be less productive, not to mention the toll it will take on your health.
Good organisational and time management skills will keep your nerves and save your time in the long run.
Take care of yourself. Relax. Breathe. You’ve got this.