Advice for when I get overwhelmed at work?

I always seem to get overwhelmed at work. I work in a very fast paced restaurant that pays well but it stresses me out. I start to get overwhelmed and I can never figure out how to regain control of myself before I mess up or drop something. I always start to lose focus and then the chef gets angry with me.


Any tips as to the best way to regain control of yourself when something like this happens?Advice for when I get overwhelmed at work?
Two things:





1. take control of what you CAN control - your reaction to the stress. Take a deep breath when things get overwhelming. Stopping for 15 seconds will not make any difference to the customers, but it will make a difference to your stress level. Learn to shrug off the chef - he's just passing off his stress to you. If there is a boss who can help by running interference of speaking to the chef, that would be great, but I suspect you aren't that lucky.





2. find a mentor at work - is there someone there who does the same work as you and seems to have it together? Can he/she give you tips and tricks that could help you? Also, try to create patterns that can be repeated. If you can do that, you will be able to expend less time thinking/worrying and more time doing those tasks effectively and efficiently.





3. keep perspective - you can only do your best and no one has the right to put you down.

cream blush