One of the most common cause of stress is being disorganized at work or at home. Here are some tips to get organized:
Writing down objectives, duties and activities helps to make them more tangible and do-able. Having a schedule also helps you provide the facts when your boss asks you to perform unreasonable tasks. They may have no idea that you are overwhelmed with work and the additional responsibilities cannot be accomplished unless something else goes. Again, prioritizing tasks helps you to minimize the stressful situations.
So many projects, so little time. To beat stress, you have to learn to prioritize. At the start of each day, pick the single most important task to complete, then finish it. If you're a person who makes to-do lists, never write one with more than five items. That way, you're more likely to get all the things done, and you'll feel a greater sense of accomplishment and control. Then you can go ahead and make a second five-item list. While you're at it, make a list of things that you can delegate to co-workers and family members.
Sometimes you have to learn to draw the line. Stressed-out people often can't assert themselves. Instead of saying 'I don't want to do this' or 'I need some help,' they do it all themselves. Then they have even more to do."
Give your boss a choice.
Say 'I'd really like to take this on, but I can't do that without giving up something else. Which of these things would you like me to do?' Most bosses can take the hint. The same strategy works at home, with your spouse, children, relatives and friends. If you have trouble saying no, start small. Tell your hubby to make his own sandwich. Or tell your daughter to find another ride home from volleyball practice.
Realize that nearly everything will take longer than you anticipate. By allotting yourself enough time to accomplish a task, you cut back on anxiety. In general, if meeting deadlines is a problem, always give yourself 20 percent more time than you think you need to do the task.