Summary

The article discusses strategies to manage and prevent feelings of overwhelm by implementing practical tips such as deep breathing, list-making, batching tasks, setting boundaries, and a focus-enhancing exercise.

Abstract

The author of the article reflects on the challenges of dealing with overwhelm, particularly during times when routine is disrupted, such as the onset of the pandemic. Despite initial excitement about the opportunity to engage more in social media and virtual meetings, the author quickly realized the need to dial back on these activities to maintain productivity and well-being. The article outlines five key tips to combat overwhelm: taking deep breaths to relax the brain, creating to-do lists with color-coded post-it notes, batching tasks by setting aside uninterrupted time, the empowering practice of saying no to maintain boundaries, and a unique focus-enhancing technique involving head shaking and affirmation. These strategies are presented as effective tools for regaining control over one's time and tasks, leading to a more focused and balanced daily routine.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the universality of experiencing overwhelm and emphasizes the importance of addressing it proactively.
Deep breathing is recommended as a simple yet effective method to calm the mind, with the author initially skeptical but later convinced of its benefits through personal experience.
Making lists, especially using colorful post-it notes, is suggested as a fun and practical way to organize tasks and track progress.
Batching tasks, or setting aside dedicated time for focused work without interruptions, is highlighted as a technique that the author found successful even before knowing its formal name.
The author strongly advocates for setting personal boundaries and being comfortable with saying no, viewing it as a crucial aspect of self-care and time management.
A somewhat unconventional method of physically shaking one's head and saying "focus" is offered as a quick way to regain concentration when feeling overwhelmed.

Why It’s Important to Nip Overwhelm In The Bud

5 Tips to help stop overwhelm

Why are some days harder than others?

This mystery will never cease to amaze me.

I wake up on the same side of the bed. For the most part, at the same time. I am very routine by nature, but a day can go by so fast, and often, the thought of that can be overwhelming.

I think most people suffer from overwhelm at some point or another.

When the virus started, I was happy for some extra time to spend on social media and Zoom calls. I feel there is always training that I would miss because of my travel schedule, and I was looking forward to taking that all in. I love to learn.

However, within two short weeks, I had to dial it back. I was overwhelmed with the calls being scheduled throughout the week, some being at 8 pm EST, which is my bedtime.

I found I was also getting overwhelmed with social media. I had always wanted to spend more time connecting especially in the FB Groups. I know there are like-minded people I should connect with but, I just never had the time. So, I started focusing on the ever-expanding amount of FB groups, and then I would look at the clock, two hours went by, and what did I accomplish?

Now don’t get me wrong, I like and appreciate both channels of connecting and learning. I realized, however, that I need to plan my day better, say no to some of the Zoom calls and block off chunks of time to get work done. Today is an excellent example. I am spending less time on social media.

The result? I am getting a lot done, and it feels fantastic!

How can I get through this when it happens again?

Take deep breaths

Yep- you may have heard this. No, let me guess to say, you have heard this.

But I mention it because how many people do it?

My former sales manager used to say to me, “Just take a deep breath” when something was going on, and I was getting all worked up. Honestly, I thought it was so insulting (and I liked her as a manager), but I was insulted. But then…I tried it.

I didn’t get it until I started to meditate, and then I understood how breathing deep just relaxes your brain and helps center you.

Make a to-do list, or if you are like me, a few lists

My daily “Go To?” Colored Post It Notes that are 4 x 6. Each day of the week is a different color. Each activity is written down and then crossed off when complete. How simple and also fun because of the colors.

Batching? What? Make a batch of cookies?

When I was a corporate retail buyer, I would shut down my email, close my door in order to focus and get my work done. I would make it known I needed some quiet time. I found that my team would respect that. At the time, I didn’t even know it was called batching. I would do it because it worked.

Get a routine that works for you. I find it amazing that people try to follow someone else’s routine. We are all different in so many ways. Just because I am a morning person doesn’t’ mean you are. Maybe you work better at night. Then do that. Do what feels good to you, but make sure and do it.

I have found when I don’t do this, I am not as focused and balanced.

It’s empowering and addicting to say no

I think that setting boundaries is the best gift you can give yourself.

Setting boundaries also goes hand and hand with the ability to edit your to-do list and delegate.

Once you get started, it’s the best thing ever to realize it’s OK to say no. Someone else’s plan may not be your agenda.

If you can look in the mirror and be OK with saying no and OK with any ramifications that may come from saying no, you will get in the habit of using boundaries to manage your schedule.

And you will end up saying to yourself, “Why wasn’t I doing this before?”

Magical Tip- Shake your head and say “Focus”

Perhaps, a bit wacky, but it works!

I sit at my desk and when I am starting to get overwhelmed, I take about 30 seconds and shake my head and say “FOCUS”.

I am not a Dr. so, I do not know why that works from a medical or science perspective, but it does- try it!