Are You Overwhelmed?

 Are You Overwhelmed?

Both in your personal life as well as your business life it is easy to become overwhelmed.  Being a business owner can compound those feelings of inundation dramatically.  When you have too many things on your to-do list, when you are being pulled in multiple directions it is easy to lose you way.

All too often the overwhelmed feeling paralyzes us into doing nothing or retreating to something we are comfortable doing.  Few people are actually good at multitasking, and some studies suggest that no one is really good at multitasking.

When you find yourself buried, you may not have any control of what and how much lands on your plate, but you do have control of what you eat first and how much time you spend chewing.

One bite at a time is how they say to eat an elephant, so sit down, take a deep breath, and start taking bites of what is in front of you.  Try not to be distracted by that voice in your head that is reading the list of all the things you need to do.  It will still be there when you’ve finished eating your first elephant BUT you will feel so much better when this elephant is gone!

Preventing overwhelm involves managing your time, responsibilities, and emotions effectively. Here are a few strategies to help you avoid feeling overwhelmed:

• Prioritize Your Task List
  1. Focus on the most important tasks first.
  2. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Large tasks can feel daunting. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps to make progress more achievable.
• Manage Your Time Effectively
  1. Plan your day or week ahead of time. Allocate specific time blocks for each task, including breaks.
  2. Use Time Management Tools like to-do lists, calendars, and apps that can help keep you organized and on track.
• Set Realistic Goals
  1. Avoid Over-committing by being honest with yourself about how much you can handle. Learn to say “no” to additional tasks that may lead to overload.
  2. Break your long-term goals into smaller, realistic short-term goals. Celebrate small wins along the way.
• Stress Management
  1. Simple breathing exercises can help calm your mind when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
• Delegate and Ask for Help
  1. Delegate tasks to others, when possible, whether at work or at home. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.
  2. Working with others can ease the load and provide different perspectives on problem-solving.
• Take Regular Breaks:
  1. Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break.
  2. Give yourself permission to step away from tasks to recharge, even if it’s just a quick walk or a stretch.
• Limit Distractions
  1. Minimize distractions by setting up a dedicated workspace, turning off notifications, and setting boundaries with others.
  2. Multitasking can lead to mistakes and increase stress. Concentrate on one task until it’s completed.
• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
  1. Physical activity can reduce stress and increase mental clarity. Even short daily exercises can be beneficial.
  2. A balanced diet can improve energy levels and mental focus. Avoid too much caffeine or sugar, which can increase anxiety.
  3. Adequate sleep is crucial for managing stress and maintaining productivity. Aim for 7-8 hours per night.
• Stay Organized
  1. A tidy environment can lead to a clearer mind. Regularly de-clutter your workspace and home.
  2. Use lists, planners, or apps to keep track of what needs to be done. Crossing off completed tasks can be satisfying and motivating.
• Practice Self-Compassion
  1. Recognize that it’s okay not to be perfect. Everyone experiences overwhelm at times, and it’s important to be kind to yourself during these moments.
  2. Accept that you can’t do everything at once, and that’s okay. Focus on what you can control.
• Seek Support When Needed
  1. Sometimes, talking through your feelings with a friend, family member, or therapist can provide relief and perspective.

Some of these are more important than others, but the key to eliminating overwhelm is accomplishment.  Each time you check something off your list the sense of accomplishment feels like a huge weight off your shoulders.

The key to preventing overwhelm, even though it can’t always be avoided, is DO NOT PROCRASTINATE.  The sooner you get a task off your plate the more time you have for the next task.  You can’t always predict when tasks are coming your way, so when you wait to start and complete today’s task(s) you risk getting caught in an avalanche tomorrow when you wait.

By prioritizing tasks, and managing time effectively, you can significantly reduce feelings of overwhelm. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and take breaks when needed. Focus on small, consistent steps to regain control and maintain balance in your life.

I don’t think this can be stated enough, revel in your accomplishments. Although they may seem relatively small, if you have a clear view of the bigger picture, the end goal, each small task is a step toward that goal. There is an expression that, “Nobody on their death bed ever wished they would have spent more time at work”. I can say that most WILL admit that the achievements realized throughout their life, regardless of how small, made them stronger, healthier and happier.

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