How to reclaim your schedule when your workload is overloaded

With companies downsizing, many employees’ job responsibilities are being supersized. Rather than doing the job of one person, many find themselves doing the jobs of two or three people. So how do you keep up and avoid burnout? You’ve got to be proactive about managing your work and stress level. Here are a few strategies:

1. Accept the reality.

Your workload will increase for a while. It’s not ideal, but make the best of it. Leverage the chance to expand your knowledge base and increase your skill set, which can be used to facilitate your next career move.

2. Prioritize.

To clarify what is most important, meet with your boss. Prioritize with her by clarifying which projects take precedence: “Today I can accomplish X or Y. Which one should I work on first?”

3. Become a better self-manager.

Use your time wisely and always ask, “Is there a better/faster/smarter way to get this done?” By finding ways to be more efficient, you and the company will benefit.

4. Ask for perks that will ease the burden.

Be strategic and ask for what will ease the situation for you. Do you want a better title? More flexibility in your hours? Is a salary increase possible (in some situations, this is a possibility)?

5. Take care of yourself.

You may not be able to control the demands of your employer, but you can control how well you take care of yourself. That will empower you to be your best at work. Set boundaries around the basics – eat three times a day, no matter what; take short breaks to clear your mind; get good rest; and exercise to restore your energy.

Don’t be hard on yourself. Some days, you simply won’t be able to get it all done. Do your best and stay focused on priority assignments first.

Valorie Burton is a professional speaker, life coach and the author of five books, including What’s Really Holding You Back?, Listen to Your Life, and How Did I Get So Busy? The 28-Day Plan to Free Your Time, Reclaim Your Schedule and Reconnect with What Matters Most. Subscribe to her free e-newsletter at www.valorieburton.com and follow her at www.twitter.com/valorieburton.