Feeling overwhelmed is a natural reaction when faced with multiple tasks, projects, or even just so many things coming at you all at once in life. Here are some steps to help you regain control and start making progress:
Breathe and calm down: Take a few deep breaths and give yourself a moment to relax. This will help clear your mind and regain focus.
Break it down: Divide whatever it is into smaller, more manageable parts. This can make it feel less daunting and help you see where to start. If it’s still feeling overwhelming, you haven’t broken it down into small enough parts. Break it down into even smaller parts or steps.
Prioritize: Identify what’s most important and focus on completing that first. Consider factors such as deadlines, the impact of each item, and any dependencies between them.
Create a plan: Write down the tasks or steps in the order you need to complete them and assign a realistic deadline for each. This will help you stay organized and maintain a sense of control.
Set small goals: Focus on achieving one small goal at a time. This will help you build momentum and make it easier to tackle the next task. And don’t forget to celebrate each small ‘win’ so that you continue to create momentum as you move forward to the next item.
Remove distractions: Minimize anything that might distract you from your work, such as social media, email, personal interruptions, or a cluttered space. Remember that you get to set your own boundaries and stick to them.
Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues for help, advice, or encouragement. They may be able to offer insights or assistance that can make it easier.
Take breaks: Give yourself short breaks to rest and recharge. This can help prevent burnout and maintain productivity.
Track progress: Keep a record of what you have accomplished and celebrate small milestones (‘wins’). This can help boost your motivation and confidence. If you’re not a “record” kind of person, keep a coffee mug on your desk and drop a small plastic bead into it each time to celebrate. This visual reminder of how far you’ve come towards your goal is so important!
Be kind to yourself: Remember that feeling overwhelmed is normal, and it’s okay to ask for help or adjust your expectations if needed. Don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go perfectly. Remember that it’s all about progress, not perfection.