Feeling overwhelmed with tasks in higher education?

I can definitely relate to the feeling of being overwhelmed by tasks. Whenever I find myself buried under endless to-do lists, the first thing I do is pause and breathe. I remind myself that not everything holds the same weight. I take a few moments to list down each task and ask which ones truly move things forward and which ones can wait. I’ve learned that clarity comes from sorting priorities rather than trying to do everything at once. When I focus on the most meaningful tasks first, I feel more in control and less stressed. It is not about doing more but about doing what matters most at the right moment.

My client, a driven PhD scholar, came to me drowning in deadlines, research, and teaching load. Together, we restructured her calendar, prioritized tasks with clarity, and introduced energy-based time blocks. Within weeks, she felt in control—not just surviving, but thriving. She even revived her long-paused blog! Overwhelm in higher ed is real, but with the right strategy, it’s beatable. #satyendraksingh #businessmentor #careerstrategist #highereducation #academiccoaching #productivitytips #overcomingoverwhelm #timeblocking #mindfulsuccess #growthjourney

Feeling overwhelmed with tasks in higher education is common due to the pressure of balancing teaching, research, and admin work. Prioritize tasks, manage time wisely, and use digital tools to stay organized. Don’t hesitate to seek support and take breaks to maintain balance and avoid burnout.

Absolutely true. Prioritization isn’t just about doing things faster — it’s about doing the right things at the right time. In higher education, where every task feels urgent, knowing what truly matters can make all the difference. Great reminder to work smart, not just hard!

Lorsque nous nous sentons surchargés par les différentes missions, il est important de pouvoir prioriser les actions importantes afin de gagner en efficacité sur les missions.

La gestion du temps est un facteur important à prendre en considération lorsque nous avons différentes missions à mener en parallèle. Afin d'y arriver, nous devons organiser notre temps de manière efficace avec des pauses régulières.

From my viewpoint, managing time in higher education is less about doing more and more about doing what matters, mindfully. Blocking out focused time for key tasks, using digital calendars, and breaking assignments into smaller steps can reduce the mental load. I also find that scheduling breaks is just as important - it protects energy and keeps motivation steady. How do you structure your day to stay productive without burning out?

La gestion du temps permet d'éviter les aléas et de mieux comprendre les besoins des entreprises à l'instant t et donc de pouvoir mieux travailler et plus efficacement.

Demander de l'aide peut nous permettre d'avancer plus vite lorsque nous ne pouvons pas avancer à cause d'un problème et cela peut nous permettre de pouvoir travailler efficacement sur cette thématique.

Brainstorming with your course mate on subject, especially subjects that are generally believed to be difficult, is one of the shortest routes to cover much in a few times.

This is absolutely true! Just a minute chat with someone can save you hours of thinking. Seeking help and support doesn’t always come naturally to everyone and it is a practice you need to start in stages and do it consistently. It will provide a different angle to whatever task you are doing.

From my perspective, seeking support in higher education is not just helpful - it’s essential. Whether it’s leaning on study groups, reaching out to advisors, or using campus services, support systems are there for a reason. We’re not meant to do everything alone, and asking for help shows self-awareness and resilience. The right support at the right time can turn overwhelm into momentum. What forms of support have made a difference in your academic journey?

Déterminer le bon support pour travailler peut nous faire gagner beaucoup de temps et d'énergie et c'est donc important de pouvoir y arriver facilement.

Staying organized YOUR WAY is important. Think about what works for you personally. Organize things by giving them a unique home by topic or type, whether digitally or physically. Are you someone, like me, who needs to literally see what they've organized—to-do lists by project in a notebook, see through file folders, and even sweaters on a shelf—or someone who knows what's there and wants it put away, 'decluttered' and not visible. Spend time understanding and supporting YOUR style for organizing and taking effective action.

From Monday to Thursday, I focus on schoolwork from 7am to 6pm. Fridays and Saturdays are for social activities, and Sundays are for prayer and reflection. To stay energized, I work out every morning from 6am to 7am and play football most nights at 8pm. These habits keep me balanced—physically, mentally, and spiritually. It’s not about being perfect, but being consistent. Balance fuels progress.

Another important strategy forgotten is TAKE A BREAK/REST. You need to reboot your thoughts and energy. Exhaustion makes you lose focus