How can I manage a crazy workload?
June 27, 2025
Hi, Karyn. I’ve been following your posts for a while and I know you write about burnout.
I’m not there yet. But sometimes it feels like a real possibility.
It doesn’t seem to matter how organised I am or how early I get started, sometimes I just can’t get on top of my work in a day (or a week!) I don’t think I can work any harder than I am. I don’t have a big team so I can’t just pass off work to others.
On the one hand my boss agrees we have too much going on and then the next moment another urgent project just gets added to my list. Never any new resources! Sometimes I feel like I’m drowning. It’s not all the time, it’s not that bad, but I’d just like some help on how I can manage my workload better so I’m getting everything done without stressing all the time.
Thank you for your help,
DS
Dearest DS
I have two things I want you to do for yourself today.
The first thing is for right now. I know it’s been a week or so since you wrote to me feeling like this, but I can’t imagine things are very different now than they were then so here’s what I want you to do right now.
Open up your calendar, find a 10 minute slot (shift something if you have to) and block it out. If you can take 10 minutes right now, even better.
Then head into your web browser and search ‘free birdsong tracks 6 minutes’ — there are plenty to choose from on a range of platforms. Don’t spend too much time choosing one, just pick one that catches your eye and either open it now if you have 10 minutes now, or bookmark it for later.
If it’s for later, set an alarm on your phone or computer that reminds you of this appointment with yourself.
And then sit quietly with the birdsong and just listen. Listen and breathe. Nothing else required.
Will this reduce your workload?
No, my love. But it will dramatically increase your clarity about your workload, and give you the bandwidth you need to come back to it with fresh eyes, a grounded centre and the ability to choose your top priority for today.
This 10-minute activity is a pause. It’s invaluable, essential even, to prevent the burnout you’re worried about. And ANY time you feel overwhelmed and exhausted by your to-do list, this simple, easy and powerful strategy will help you manage the overwhelm you feel about your workload.
Is this the only thing you need to do to prevent burnout?
Again, no, my love. An intentional, structured pause is the first crucial step, but not enough on its own.
From the language and tone of your message I suspect you could be closer to burnout than you’re ready to admit. That’s not uncommon in high-achieving executive women intent on pushing through stress to deliver outstanding results.
And so the second thing I want you to do for yourself today is book a call with me. We need to take some time to assess just where you are on the burnout spectrum so we can determine what else you need.
But pause first — or at least schedule the pause. Listen and breathe. Listen and breathe.
Multiple research studies tell us listening to birdsong can dramatically reduce our stress. One comprehensive study indicated it takes just 6 minutes to feel the benefits.
There’s so much beauty, joy and connection to the world outside us in birdsong, so savour it, just for a few moments, and note how much better equipped you feel to decide what you have to do next.
The important thing is the pause.
Let me know how you get on,
Karyn x
