7 Survival Hacks for Overworked Managers Who Need a Break

Being a manager is no easy task. Between back-to-back meetings, endless emails, and putting out fires (both literal and metaphorical), the job can quickly turn into an overwhelming experience.

If you feel like you're constantly managing chaos, you’re not alone. But don’t worry—this survival guide is here to help you navigate the madness with humor, strategy, and a little caffeine.

Signs You’re an Overworked Manager

Before we dive into survival tactics, let’s confirm if you fit the description. Here are some telltale signs:

• Your calendar is more packed than a holiday airport.

• You receive emails faster than you can delete them.

• Your coffee intake rivals that of an entire office.

• You’ve considered putting “crisis management” as a new skill on your resume.

• You dream of a vacation but know your inbox would explode while you're gone.

If any (or all) of these apply, congratulations—you’ve officially entered the world of overworked management. Now, let’s make your life a little easier.

7 Survival Hacks for Overworked Managers

1. Master the Art of Delegation

Many managers fall into the trap of thinking they have to do everything themselves. The truth? Delegating tasks is the secret to survival. Trust your team, assign responsibilities wisely, and free yourself from unnecessary stress.

2. Set Boundaries (Yes, Even in Emails)

If you’re answering emails at midnight, it’s time for a change. Set boundaries for work hours and stick to them. Use autoresponders, turn off notifications, and don’t be afraid to say, “Let’s discuss this in the morning.”

3. Take Breaks (Because You’re Not a Robot)

Running on empty won’t help you—or your team. Step away from the screen, stretch, grab a coffee, or take a walk. A short mental reset can boost productivity and keep you from burning out.

4. Embrace Humor in the Workplace

Laughter is a great stress reliever. Keep things lighthearted with funny office décor, coffee mugs with sarcastic quotes, or a humorous email signature. Need ideas? Check out these funny gifts for managers that bring joy to the daily grind.

5. Have the Right Survival Tools

Let’s be real—some days require extra reinforcements. Here are some manager-approved tools for getting through the chaos:

• A 'Shit Show Supervisor' Mug – Because caffeine is the only thing keeping you going. Get yours here.

• Noise-Canceling Headphones – For when you need to block out office drama.

• A Stress Relief Ball – Squeeze, breathe, repeat.

• A Notebook for Daily Chaos Management – Because keeping track of a hundred things in your head is impossible.

• Emergency Chocolate Stash – For the moments when coffee isn’t enough.

6. Streamline Your Meetings

If you constantly find yourself stuck in pointless meetings, it’s time for an intervention. Keep meetings short, relevant, and only invite those who truly need to be there. (And maybe gift your colleagues a 'This Meeting Could Have Been an Email' mug to get the message across.)

7. Celebrate Small Wins

With so many fires to put out, it’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong. Take time to acknowledge what’s going right. Celebrate team achievements, recognize employee efforts, and reward yourself for making it through another week.

Final Thoughts

Being an overworked manager is tough, but with the right mindset (and a strong cup of coffee), you can handle anything that comes your way. Remember to delegate, set boundaries, take breaks, and inject humor into your work life. And if all else fails, at least have a great coffee mug to remind you that you’re the ultimate Shit Show Supervisor.