Work & travel End the crazy-busy cycle. And, your sleep curator is here

Because a 25-hour day just isn’t an option.

we’re all speed freaks these days: “Trying to do everything and please everyone,” says Dr Libby Weaver, author of Rushing Woman’s Syndrome (Hay House; R296). Even worse, women suffer work stress more than men. Here’s how to get calm.

Don’t multi-task “In multi-tasking, your focus just flits stressfully between tasks,” says coach Mike Gardner. His suggestion: the Pomodoro Technique: do one task for 25 minutes, break for five. After four cycles, rest for half an hour.

Say no (properly) Do colleagues abuse your time? “You teach people how to treat you,” says psychologist Diana Dawson. So, if your boss has a tough request, say, “Sure, I can do X; right now I’m doing Y; would you prefer me to do X?”. “I’m fully committed” is better than “I’m busy”. Stop and think “Precrastination is completing a task fast to avoid having it hang over you,” says Dr David Rosenbaum, a psychology professor. But you could work towards a project or meeting, then find the dates change. Annoying! “First ask: ‘Must this really happen now?’” says Mike.

Think Hofstadter’s Law Things take longer than expected, said cognitive scientist Douglas Hofstadter. “Chronic rushers overestimate what can be achieved,” says Grace Marshall, author of How To Be Really Productive (Pearson Education Limited; R282). “Allot an extra half hour to tasks when you plan your day, and leave space in your diary,” says Grace. “It’s a buffer, so curveballs don’t derail you.”

Share decisions “Decision fatigue is a huge factor in feeling swamped, so delegate trivial ones,” says Grace. Meeting friends? Let someone else decide where to go. And empower colleagues to make small decisions without asking you.