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How do I manage the stress of an impending deadline?

9 Answers
Last Updated: 07/22/2019 at 9:45pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
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Top Rated Answers
ghostPastry
April 10th, 2015 7:37am
Take it one step at a time. Come up with an action plan, and focus on each step you need to take individually. Breaking a daunting task up into smaller pieces can make it feel much more manageable.
VanessaD92
May 25th, 2015 11:37pm
Time manage! If you use your time properly, the project will be done properly and on time, with little stress!
Anonymous
June 9th, 2015 4:34am
I handle the stress by handling the deadline. I create a to-do list of smaller steps to achieve what needs to be completed for the deadline. This is every step broken down so that I can check things off every hour or so. That way I feel like I am making progress and the stress is much more manageable.
Greatlistener87
- Expert in Work Stress
November 6th, 2015 8:05am
Always organize your work and give yourself and your employer realistic deadlines that you can achieve.
Anonymous
November 10th, 2015 3:13pm
Brainstorming what is the first thing to do on it. Worrying does not help so planning is a better option.
Anonymous
February 8th, 2016 2:50am
Put smaller deadlines on the way, so that you can complete the project in smaller parts.
Anomalia
February 15th, 2016 4:26pm
For me, the most helpful thing to manage that stress is to break down the overwhelming task into smaller pieces. If you have 10 steps that each take 30 minutes, that might feel more manageable than 1 step that takes 5 hours, and you can just focus on one little piece at a time, rather than seeing the whole thing and the looming deadline. I think it's also important to 'count backwards' from the deadline to understand how long pieces will take and what that means for the extra time you have. If you find that you have a little extra, schedule some self-care breaks in the middle to allow yourself to breathe, calm down a little, and feel taken care of. And of course, don't forget to lean on others for support if you need it!
Bonnie1
November 21st, 2016 5:18pm
Don't wait until the last minute to finish your project. Work on it a little at a time, and take breaks between long periods of activity. If you can, finish before the deadline so that you have time for revisions.
Anonymous
July 22nd, 2019 9:45pm
Try not to think of the project as one big assignment. Think of it in little chunks that you can work through individually! You can divide the project up and work on a different part every day. Remember, you can always ask for help from a family member, friend, or trusted adult! Try doing all the research you need first, organize it, and then proceed to the work on the bulk of the project. You can always ask for feedback from classmates or peers! Just remember that there are people to help and try to take the project bit by bit!