10 Practical Tips to Master Your Massive Workload

If you’re reading this, you’re likely feeling the weight of an endless to-do list pressing down on your shoulders. In digital advertising, it’s easy to wear exhaustion as a badge of honour and convince ourselves that being constantly available is a sign of dedication.

But here’s the truth: your wellbeing matters. It’s time we addressed your workload with the care it deserves.

We’ve all felt that flutter of anxiety when our inbox has more than 100 emails and 20 chats we need to get back to. Implement a traffic light system for your messages to manage and take back control.

Red is for genuine urgencies (one-hour response), amber is for important but non-urgent matters (24-hour response), and green is for FYI messages (twice-weekly batch responses).

Share this system with your team and clients to set clear expectations and instantly reduce communication pressure.

You know that nagging feeling of having dozens of little tasks hanging over your head? Let’s tackle it.

If something takes less than two minutes, do it straight away. It’s not just about clearing tasks—it’s about lifting that mental burden that’s been weighing you down. It’s surprising how many small wins you can achieve throughout the day with this approach.

Each small win is a step toward feeling more in control and gives you the satisfaction that you completed something!

I know you’re probably thinking, “Another thing to add to my day?”

But hear me out.

Those ten minutes you spend at day’s end, noting tomorrow’s priorities and clearing your mental deck, are a gift to your future self. It’s your permission slip to leave work at work and truly be present at home.

Let’s challenge the myth that working non-stop equals productivity. Your brain isn’t designed for constant output!

Working in 90-minute focused bursts followed by proper breaks isn’t lazy—it’s strategic.

Give yourself permission to step away. The world won’t fall apart in that time.

Setting office hours isn’t about being unavailable—it’s about being available in a way that works for everyone. Establish set times for team catch-ups and questions (for example, 9-10 am and 4-5 pm). Additionally, if you have hybrid working, perhaps do those on your in-person days.

This will help reduce interruptions through pings and emails while ensuring your team still gets the support they need.

Make sure to communicate that genuine emergencies are still welcome outside these hours.

When was the last time you felt energised after a day of back-to-back Zoom calls? Transform suitable meetings into walking sessions. Yes, it takes more planning, but your mind and body deserve this change of pace.

Fresh air and movement can spark creativity you didn’t know you had left.

Remember when lunch breaks were breaks? Let’s bring that back. Blocking out 30-60 minutes isn’t just about eating—it’s about respecting your need to recharge. Your afternoon self will thank you for this gift of time and energy.

I know it’s hard to let go—especially when you’ve built your reputation on delivering excellence. But here’s the truth: if someone can do a task 70% as well as you, it’s time to let them try.

Your role isn’t to do everything; it’s to grow and guide your team.

Building a structured support system might feel like yet another task, but it’s your path to sustainable leadership. Create buddy pairs, establish clear escalation paths, and watch your team grow stronger together.

You don’t have to carry everything alone anymore.

Remember, implementing these changes isn’t about becoming a different person—it’s about being a better version of yourself. Start small, be patient with yourself, and celebrate each step forward. You’re not just managing a workload; you’re transforming your relationship with work itself.

Let’s make these changes together, one step at a time.