Workload spikes sits at the center of this dementia and brain health question.
When I started working with my physical therapist (PT), one of the most valuable lessons I learned was about handling workload spikes. These are those moments when suddenly everything feels overwhelming—more patients to see, more paperwork to finish, and less time to breathe. My PT’s advice helped me understand how to manage these busy times without burning out.
First, my PT taught me the importance of **prioritizing tasks**. Not every task is equally urgent or important. They showed me a simple way to sort things out: tackle what needs immediate attention first, schedule important but less urgent tasks for later, delegate what others can do for you, and drop anything that doesn’t really matter right now. This method keeps you focused on what truly counts instead of getting lost in a sea of small distractions.
Another key point was **setting boundaries** around work time. My PT explained that saying “yes” to everything only leads to exhaustion. It’s okay—and necessary—to say “no” sometimes so you don’t overload yourself. For example, if your schedule is packed with back-to-back appointments, it’s hard to find time for essential paperwork or self-care breaks unless you protect your calendar carefully.
They also emphasized the value of **taking breaks and practicing self-care**, even during busy periods. It might sound counterintuitive when there’s so much work waiting but stepping away briefly helps recharge your energy and focus better afterward.
Lastly, my PT encouraged me not just to react passively when things get hectic but actively plan ahead by managing time wisely—like using timers for focused work sessions or scheduling regular check-ins with colleagues for support and sharing workloads where possible.
These lessons from my physical therapist didn’t just help during sudden workload spikes; they changed how I approach all kinds of busy times in life—making stress manageable rather than overwhelming chaos.
For more, see National Institute on Aging.
