We’ve all been there. You wake up in the morning, already feeling behind before the day has even begun. You have a million things to do, and the thought of tackling even one of them is enough to make you want to crawl back under the covers and hide from the world.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. In fact, according to a recent survey, 42% of Americans report feeling stressed out most or all of the time. But here’s the good news: there are things you can do to manage your overwhelm and get back on track.
Read on for tips on what to do when you’re feeling overwhelmed
What To Do When You’re Overwhelmed
1. Make a list.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be tough to see the light at the end of the tunnel. One way to get a handle on your feelings of overwhelm is to make a list of everything you need to do. Seeing your tasks written out in front of you can help you identify what’s most important and prioritize accordingly. Not sure where to start?
2. Break it down into smaller chunks.
Once you have your list, it’s time to start tackling it—but not all at once! If a task feels too daunting, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if you need to write a 20-page paper, start by writing one page per day. Small wins like this will help keep you motivated as you work through your list.
3. Set a timer for one task at a time.
It can be tempting to try and multitask when you’re feeling overwhelmed, but this will only lead to more stress in the long run. When possible, set a timer for one task at a time and give yourself permission not to think about anything else until that task is done. This technique is especially effective when coupled with number two—if a task feels too big, break it down into smaller chunks and then set a timer for each chunk!
4. Take breaks often.
When we’re feeling overwhelmed, our natural inclination is to work harder and longer hours in an attempt to “power through” our never-ending To Do list. But this is actually counter-productive and will only leave us feeling more exhausted in the end.
Instead of trying to push through your fatigue, schedule regular breaks throughout the day—even if it’s just five minutes here or there—to rest and recharge. Your mind (and body) will thank you later!
5. Simplify Your Life
One of the best ways to reduce feelings of overwhelm is to simplify your life as much as possible.
Get rid of any unnecessary commitments or obligations that are weighing you down so you can focus on what’s truly important.
6. Prioritize Your Health
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to prioritize your health both physically and mentally.
Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, and exercising regularly so you can stay focused and productive.
Additionally, don’t forget to take some time for yourself each day to relax and de-stress!
7. Seek Professional Help
If you find that your feelings of overwhelm are impacting your ability to function in day-to-day life, it may be time to seek professional help. A therapist can work with you to Identify the root cause of your stress and develop a plan to manage it.
No matter how overwhelmed you’re feeling, know that there are things you can do to manage your stress and get back on track. By following the tips above, you’ll be on your way to a calmer, more manageable life in no time!
Conclusion:
Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t have to mean throwing in the towel entirely—there are things you can do to regain control and get back on track! By following these 10 tips, you’ll be able to manage your feelings of overwhelm and get back to being productive again in no time!
