Slow down if need be, focus and finish each job to the standard required. Avoid perfectionist thinking, and mentally tick each job off when it is finished before moving on to the next. Throw each problem ball away when you have sorted it out.

Is it your problem?
There are two things in my life I have no control over. The first is the number of hours in the day, and the second is the number of problems that come my way during the day. Too many problems in too little time is - another problem. This can lead to a feeling of helplessness. Remind yourself how to say 'No' to unnecessary problems:
^        Imagine each problem being thrown to you. Is it a hand grenade or a tennis ball? What will happen if you choose not to catch it? Will it explode in your face, or just bounce harmlessly away? Is someone else merely trying to avoid their responsibilities in giving you this problem? Make a mental note about where this problem is on a 'must do/ should do/need not do' list and act accordingly.
If you choose to catch the problem, do something with it. Remember the '5 Ds' principle (see Tip 19) and use it.
Learn to say 'No'. It can be flattering to be asked to help sort out someone's problems, but what is the point of getting involved if you know nothing at all about the question? It is far better to say at the outset 'I'm sorry but I don't know how to help you,' than to get drawn in simply because you are trying to please everybody all the time. Learn what your limits are - a great means of reducing stress.
If personal insults or comments are thrown at you, use this method to ignore them. Don't catch the insult, let it fall to the floor so it has not touched you. If you think criticism is

..Crisis Management
constructive, catch it, think about it and, when you have taken on the helpful criticism, let it go.
If you have taken on more than you are able to cope with, list, in order of priority, what needs to be done, and then work through the list. I worked briefly in a busy casualty department in Canada, and was flooded with urgent jobs. In the middle of this chaos stood the consultant, looking relaxed but working very hard and efficiently. When I rushed to show him an X-ray of a seriously injured motor cyclist he stopped me before I ran off again, and quietly pointed out the other two broken bones I had completely overlooked -I had been too keen to get everything sorted out quickly. All he said was 'Take your time. Get it right and get satisfaction from doing the job right. You are not here to do lots of jobs badly.' It was a salutary lesson, but the more I watched him the more I saw him put these words into action. He focused intently on each job before moving on to the next, and took as much, or as little time as each one needed. He ended up doing less work because so little had to be redone later.
Involving yourself in other people's problems is not compulsory. Learn when you have got your hands full and cannot cope with any more stress. Alternatively, drop one problem to take on another.

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