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Improving Effectiveness

by Overcoming

Work and Information Overload

Thoughts and Tips on Work and Information Anxiety

Do you or others you know suffer from work and/or information anxiety?

  

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Thoughts

Cam and Jim sat in the usual corner in the food court where they meet with their colleagues for lunch. As everyone gathered Cam asked, “Where is Amanda?” “I don’t think she is coming,” said Sally, “I passed her in the hallway rushing to a meeting. She looked foul.” “She is not the only one who feels foul these days,” said Jim. This started everyone venting a bit. This is one safe place where they can vent without being judged.

After a while, Jim looked up and said, “Why do I feel this way? I shouldn’t be feeling this way! I never was like this. What is wrong with me?”

 Over the past 7 years our clients helped us realize the interdependent relationship between wellness, information overload and work overload.  In our research we often came across recurring symptoms referred to as work and/or information anxiety symptoms. To find out how common these symptoms are, last June we surveyed our clients and asked them to tell us “Do you observe these symptoms in your life or workplace?” Below is a list of the symptoms and the percentage of respondents who answered that they observe these symptoms in the work place:

  • Feeling overwhelmed 63%

  • Forgetfulness, hard to recall details 71%

  • Recurring ill health and stress induced symptoms (headache, muscular pain, colds and low grade infections…) 44%

  • Difficulty finding information 54%

  • Inability to make decisions, procrastination 47%

  • Irritability and feeling “edgy” 56%

  • Resentment of voice mail, e-mail, and meetings 56%

  • Chronically talking about not keeping up or always saying, “I am very busy.” 69%

  • Feeling guilty over being behind 73%

  • Giving time and attention to low priority matters while there are more important things to do 61%

  • Fear of saying “No” and “I do not know.” 39%

  • Compromised social and family life 59%

  Tips

If you identify with any of these symptoms, take heart you are not alone. Examine the above list and  Indicate how often your are bothered by them marking each as Often, Sometimes, and Seldom.

  • Examine the items you marked as “Often” and prioritize the ones which concern you the most or give you the most stress.

  •  If you have serious concerns about any of these symptoms, click here to request a complimentary e-copy of our book, Overloaded? From Overload to Balanced Living: Taking Control of Work and Information Overload.

Please note, if your feeling of stress or anxiety persists, it would be wise that you seek appropriate professional help.

Note:

* These thoughts and tips are complimentary to you.

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* If we can be of any help, call us at 905-294-0380.
 
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