What to Do When You Are Overwhelmed

Lisa Franchi October 27, 2014

Do you find yourself having so much to do that you don’t even know where to start? Does your day to day work give you so much anxiety and overwhelm?We all go through series of tasks that make us feel hopeless and totally burned out, especially at work. Combine it with your personal issues and financial problems then you are likely to feel like you are about to shatter into pieces.

When things start to feel overwhelming, here are some effective strategies you can do:

Do nothing, for a moment.

You may feel like doing nothing for even a few minutes can wreck your schedule and affect your productivity. Why should you stop when deadlines are looming? While the idea may seem like counterintuitive, it is actually one of the best things to do, especially if such few minutes are spent on mindfulness practice. Meditation has calming benefits. Numerous studies have shown that it can reduce anxiety and stress levels, sharpen memory, and increase focus – things you need to get each task done promptly and efficiently.

Set realistic goals.

Perhaps the reason why you are feeling overwhelmed with your tasks is that you are not setting realistic goals. In short, you are being too harsh on yourself. Don’t think like you are a robot, because you are not. You’re only human. You get tired too. Start your day by setting realistic goals. Create a timeline and be smart about prioritising things. Prioritise the tasks that are urgent and necessary.

Don’t own all the tasks.

You only have two arms and feet. Do what you can. If you think you can’t do it all, go ahead and delegate. Don’t underestimate your friends and family. Many of them are willing to lend a shoulder, but you have to ask.

Some things can wait.

Yes, you can do anything. But you can’t do everything. Don’t feel bad if you can’t just find time to complete your novel, attend a dance class, enrol in a culinary school, or spend a few days at your friend’s place. You may not be able to do them now, but it doesn’t mean you can’t do them forever. Just choose a few of your long-term goals for now and dedicate time and energy on them. Pursue your dream #1 and #2 now, and hold dream #3. Some things can wait.

Invest on your health.

It is important that you are filled with energy every single day, or else, you can’t ever be productive. Start your day right by eating a healthy meal, and spend at least 30 minutes exercising. Regular physical activity is one sure-fire way to increase your energy levels. Nevertheless, you have to make sure you are giving your body enough time to rejuvenate and rest. Make sure you’re having 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and you are spending time for rest and recreation.

Ditch multitasking.

Think you’re being productive this way? Uh-oh, you’re not. And you won’t be. So stop multitasking. It doesn’t just spoil your energy reserve; it also affects your focus, which is needed to get the job done effectively. Take things one at a time. You will be much happy and prouder of your work.

Remember that this too shall pass.

No matter how stressed, anxious or overwhelmed you are right now, remember that this, too, shall pass. Pain is temporary. You have to look at the bigger picture – at the end result. Focus on your goals and know you can achieve them. Don’t take life seriously. Do loosen up from time to time. Enjoy your morning cup of coffee, think about the past accomplishments you had, hug your pet, kiss your hubby, play with your kids, watch a feel-good movie. You deserve things like these. Focus on what truly matters. Sigh with relief. Be grateful. And remember the saying – Work hard. Play harder.