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What should you do if it all gets too overwhelming and you want to quit?

#stress #advice

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Subject: Career question for you

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15 answers


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Syed’s Answer

Right now is a very stressful time all around the world. People are losing their jobs, family members and maybe their homes due to coronavirus. It is okay to feel stressed and overwhelmed right now.

Here are some things you can do for stress management in general:
1. Call your loved ones - family, friends, etc
2. Take a walk (with safe social distancing) in nature
3. Schedule no-screen time where you put your phone/laptop on mute and just reflect and think
4. Engage in spirituality/mindfulness/faith if you have that to lean on
5. Journal out your thoughts
6. Reconnect with an old friend
7. Think about the people who have it much worse than you right now to get some humbling perspective
8. Talk to a trusted mentor or friend who is doing/has done what you’ve set out to achieve and ask for tailored advice
9. Exercise to keep the mind active and unlock your potential!
10. Remember who you’re trying to support as you look to achieve your goals - Maybe your family, the less fortunate, etc.
Thank you comment icon Great answer Dustin Bankston
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David’s Answer

I believes this question all of us has went through, what I normally recommend is take a step back relax first try to let it go away for a day or two and then sit down and draft out the reason why and how you can modify or adjust to the problem. Everything is about time and relax nothing needs to be done right away everything has a small amount of time for you to think and consider what to do. If you feel overwhelming just take a step back and clear your mind first and think about it or trying to write it out and see if you can fix it or move on from it. Just take one step at a time and everything will be fine and solve in a way or two.
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Kendra’s Answer

Thank you for such a heartfelt question. We have all gotten to the point where we want to give up or give in to the stress of academia, work, life, kids etc. You get the picture. Remember in all of this “this too will pass” It is a temporary stress that will lead to better things. Things that help with stress exercise, (even a 5 minute walk) can reset the mind and body. Take a break from studying at least 1 time an hour get up and move around. If your struggling with a subject ask for help and remember THIS TO SHALL PASS.... it is a stepping stone to your ideal goal, you will not stay on this stepping stone forever. You can do it.
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Lauren’s Answer

Mehakpreet, I admire your asking such a vulnerable question. When I recognize that I'm feeling overwhelmed, I try to break down the source of my stress into smaller pieces and find one small task to focus on. For instance, when I would look at a syllabus for the semester, I would bring so much stress on myself thinking about how I would manage the exam and final presentation at the end of the term. I found it helped me to instead say, "What tasks do I need to do this week?" Then I could make small steps forward in finding a study group or reading the first assignment for the class.

Breaking these challenges down can also help you communicate what you need from others. When you share your feelings of stress with someone you trust, you have every right to say: a) I just want you to listen to me, b) I want your advice, or c) I need your help.

Thank you comment icon Thank you so much ! I'll keep that in mind ! Mehakpreet
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Martin’s Answer

I love this question--many times, it's hard to be vulnerable & to ask this. But the truth is, everyone has moments where they feel this way. I've struggled with having the courage to ask it myself & the first thing I now share with people is that they should give themselves credit for the courage it takes to put it out there. The truth is, there is some great advice in this thread that I've already seen: disconnecting, taking time to relax, meditate or reflect, connect with a peer or a trusted friend...in short, exercising some self-care goes a long way. Show yourself some grace & understand that what you're feeling is natural. All of this helps give us perspective on whether we're just having a difficult moment or if we truly want to give up on what we're doing.

But beyond that, when you've had some time & distance from the stress, wade back into your work slowly. Again, allow yourself some grace. Recognize that everyone has moments where it feels like there is too much on their plates or that the work asked of them is too hard or unfamiliar. Break up tasks into smaller pieces & evaluate what you can truly get accomplished. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Stay connected with others and lean into vulnerability. People want to help & sometimes all we need is someone to let us talk things out & discover our own way forward.
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Jeremy’s Answer

This is a question that sometimes we might not ask enough. It's important to take a step back at times when it just feels like everything is too much and acknowledging that the situation is overwhelming. Many others, including myself, have been overwhelmed for long periods of times. Taking a step back and making that acknowledgment will help in the long run. At that point, it's great to talk to someone that can help take some of that extra burden if its work related.

Activities outside of work that can help relieve that stress include writing out your thoughts, exercise and even listening to music can help alleviate that feeling of being overrun. Remembering to also just take a break when you can't go anymore can help you take a moment to breath and recollect yourself.

It can be tough at times but sometimes just talking to someone in general about those struggles can be the difference maker. It helps us to realize that we are not alone in this and somebody is happy to listen to our concerns.
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Mandy’s Answer

You ask such a relevant and prevalent question that a lot of people ask, sometimes multiple times during their careers. I truly believe that the answer is work life balance. It is so easy to get caught up in the every day work life and forget to take care of ourselves, specifically how we ensure we are focusing on self-care. Ask yourself what you do when you want some time to yourself. Some people like to journal, meditate, go for a walk, etc. The benefit of before you go into a career also is to really ask yourself why you want to go into the career you want to. Are you doing it for yourself? For someone else (family member, etc)?
Thank you comment icon Thank you ! I'll keep that in mind Mehakpreet
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Danitra’s Answer

Take a moment and walk away, go for a quick and de-compress and come back finish out the day strong
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Ross’s Answer

It helps so much to, every day, write down something different you're thankful for. I know it sounds simple, but that combined with taking one step at a time instead of allowing the magnitude of the job/project to overwhelm you helps tremendously.
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Michael’s Answer

Great question. There are always going to be challenges and struggles in life. To deal with my stress I have found that self-help and motivation books are really good. Always tewll yourself that you are gret and that you can always push yourself through stressful times and will be rewarded.

Keep up the great work,

Michael middleton
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Van’s Answer

I think everyone has good days and bad days. When i am having a bad day I will take a break and think through if my current situation is temporary. If it is temporary just take a break and and get some fresh air by walking or take a coffee/tea break. Temporary situations can be overwhelming at the moment but if you see that everyday is a new day to start over, your situation is exactly that, just temporary.
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Virat’s Answer

It's a great question to ask but life is not so simple to have the answer to this question summarised without knowing the details.

1. Knowing your upper threshold in equally important before you stress out yourself too much. Look if not this do you have an alternative in life.

2. If there is no alternative then gear up yourself. Our mind in such situations create a worst outcome & we fear the future. Rather thinking on the outcome gear up with the action plan. Break the action plan into tasks & get past your situation. Use the fear to act not to scare you of the future.

Remember be it Good or Bad, time has to pass over!!
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Scott’s Answer

Take a break and walk away from whatever you are doing. Try to take your attention away from what you were doing. Deep breathing for a short period of time will help focus your attention on your breath. Remember that it is only temporary and it will pass. You can also build in "rituals" during your day to help manage stress!
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Amra’s Answer

I think it depends how often you feel that way.... I think it is perfectly normal to want to quit any job at least once:) No job is easy, and all of them will become stressful at one point or another. Some people read, others do sports or yoga... there are people who just need a good conversation or a good ole cry. You will have to find what works the best for you, but I would never forget one thing: If you feel like quitting more and more often, then it probably is the best to give it a serious consideration. Good luck!
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. It's good that you are aware of the stress you are facing and looking for ways to relieve the pressure.
It may relate to the time management and your mindset. Below is your suggestion :
1. Identify some time management tool, e.g. Calendar in your phone, Microsoft Outlook, etc.
2. Put in the time of your major daily routine, e.g. your school time, etc.
3. Schedule in some time for your assignment, projects and revision time, etc.
4. Put in the time of your other tasks, e.g. your extracurricular activities, part time work, etc. If you find your schedule is very pack already, you may need to consider to reduce some of these activities
5. Make sure you have sufficient time for sleep and rest. Put in some time for doing exercise.
You do not have to fill up the entire schedule. Keep some time to relax and have some 'me' for reflection. Bear in mind always be 'positive'.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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