How to Stay Calm Under Tight Deadlines

Is that really the time?

Your heart rate increases as you check the clock again.

Three urgent tasks are all due by the end of the day, and you're already feeling overwhelmed. The pressure to complete everything perfectly in such a short time is making it hard to focus, and you can feel your stress levels rising.

You know getting anxious won't help, but the time pressure feels... suffocating.

Do you feel like you have unrealistic time pressures?

This feeling of being constantly rushed and under pressure isn't just uncomfortable – it's a recognised workplace issue known as role overload. When time pressures consistently exceed what's manageable, it can affect both your performance and your wellbeing.

Understanding Role Overload

Role overload occurs when the time pressures and expectations placed on you go beyond what can reasonably be achieved. This creates a state of constant urgency that can make it difficult to maintain both work quality and emotional balance.

When workload timing is reasonable, you can approach tasks with clear thinking and deliver quality results without feeling overwhelmed.

However, when role overload leads to constant time pressure, it can impact both your stress levels and work effectiveness.

Why It Matters

Here's why unrealistic time pressures need attention:

• They trigger stress responses that make it harder to think clearly and work effectively
• They can lead to anxiety and physical symptoms that affect your health and wellbeing
• They often result in rushed decisions and missed details despite your best efforts

But you don't have to let time pressure control your emotional state. There are practical ways to maintain calm while managing tight deadlines.

1. Create Space

Schedule short breaks between tasks to reset your mind and manage stress levels, even when time is tight.

2. Set Priorities

Identify your most critical tasks and focus on them first, helping you feel more in control of your time.

3. Share Concerns

Communicate with your supervisor about workload timing, suggesting ways to better manage time pressures.

Finding Balance

Staying calm under pressure isn't about ignoring deadlines – it's about managing your response to them effectively. While some time pressure is normal, constant stress shouldn't be your default state.

Did you know that you can use MOOD.ai to track your stress levels each day? Daily check-ins can help you identify when time pressures are becoming unhealthy, and offer steps to restore some much-needed balance.

Sure, work matters. But so does your ability to think clearly.

By finding ways to stay calm under pressure, you can deliver your best work while navigating those deadlines like a pro.