Feeling overwhelmed is a common human experience, especially in today’s fast-paced world. The endless to-do lists, obligations, and aspirations can create a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. When everything demands our attention at once, it becomes difficult to know where to start or how to manage the chaos. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to regain control and find clarity.
We often yearn to accomplish multiple things simultaneously—travel, earn money, stay fit, learn new skills, and even enjoy tempting indulgences like pizza. This desire can lead to being pulled in countless directions, resulting in uncertainty about how to move forward.
Faced with this onslaught, you might find yourself either paralyzed by inaction or attempting to tackle everything at once, neither of which leads to productivity.
Consider this: pursuing too many amazing ideas at once can prevent any of them from realizing their true potential. Recently, I’ve grappled with this myself. When ideas overflow my mind, excitement turns to confusion, making me question where to focus my energy. This unrelenting cycle can lead to significant stress over tasks that remain incomplete.
Overwhelm arises from myriad factors, such as life transitions or simply taking on more than we can handle. However, you don’t have to let it consume you.
5 THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU’RE FEELING OVERWHELMED
PRIORITIZE
Begin by asking yourself: “What is the most important task right now?” Grab a piece of paper and list everything that feels overwhelming—your domestic responsibilities, work projects, relationships, dreams. Take your time. Once you have your list, review it closely and highlight the items you wish to prioritize.
For instance, if a significant goal is to acquire a car, but you don’t have a driver’s license, your first step is clear: take the learner’s test at your local DMV instead of wandering around car dealerships.
Perhaps you’ve long desired to learn a new language but kept postponing it. In our resourceful age, picking up a language is as simple as downloading an app and dedicating an hour each day to practice. You can choose to binge-watch television for three hours or invest that same time into your learning.
By establishing priorities, you facilitate progress. Many of us create lists of goals that often fade from memory, yet they linger over us, a constant reminder of tasks left undone. If you dread a task, tackle it immediately—delaying only compounds anxiety and hampers productivity.
TRY MIND-MAPPING
When it comes to organizing thoughts, mind-mapping is an exceptional technique. It helps transfer ideas from your mind to paper while clarifying your objectives and plans. Start with your main goal in the center and branch out into various categories and topics without overthinking. Use words, symbols, colors, and codes to express your thoughts freely.
This method is invaluable for decluttering your mind when feelings of overwhelm arise. If identifying priorities presents a challenge, mind-mapping offers a tangible solution.
GET ORGANIZED + SCHEDULE IT
Overwhelm frequently results from disorganization. For some, my structured scheduling appears overly meticulous, yet it’s my key to productivity. Viewing my schedule communicates one essential message: you are in charge. I’ve previously shared my thoughts on time-blocking, an effective tool for those easily distracted. Organizing your day provides clarity and predictability, significantly reducing overwhelm variability.
In an age where we are inundated with information, maintaining organization prepares us for those unforeseen events that life inevitably throws our way.
Related posts:
+ How to stop procrastinating right now
+ 7 Life-changing morning rituals
+ Morning affirmations to start your day
+ How to really get things done: your #1 tool for staying productive
SET BOUNDARIES
Learning to say “no” is crucial. As I mentioned earlier, information overload contributes to feelings of overwhelm. Your “no” can serve as a filter, allowing you to focus on what truly matters and preserve your time.
Personally, I’ve wrestled with this concept for years. Saying “no” often felt like disappointment to others or myself.
For example, I receive countless emails daily, many from individuals or brands asking for favors. While I respond to those I cherish, the overwhelming number of requests often strains my capacity to engage. It’s draining, especially when people continue attempting to convince me to partake in their offers despite my refusals. I need to protect my time to create and fulfill my commitments without feeling consumed by these distractions.
Each “no” I utter enables me to focus on what’s most important. Whether it’s limiting unsolicited projects, favor requests, or too many ideas, establishing boundaries allows you to channel your energy effectively.
DO (SOMETHING)
In times of overwhelm, the tendency to do nothing can be tempting. Much like facing a cluttered room, the endless possibilities can paralyze you. You might find yourself caught in a loop of planning and postponing, only to grow guiltier as your to-do list expands.
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt
Take action, however small. After mind-mapping and setting priorities, start working on one task. Accept that you can’t accomplish everything at once and that it’s perfectly fine to take it one step at a time.
Overwhelm is merely a feeling. Instead of repeatedly affirming “I am so overwhelmed,” adopt a more mindful perspective: “I have a feeling of overwhelm; it’s just a thought.”
Take a moment to ground yourself. A walk, some meditation, or a few deep breaths can often do wonders. Remind yourself: “I am okay.” Frequently, feelings of overwhelm are linked to future uncertainties, whether a week or a year from now. When these feelings arise, pause and ask, “How am I doing right now, in this moment?” In that moment, you may find you’re just fine, which can inspire you to breathe, plan, and focus on your priorities.
