How I deal with overwhelm

So many readers write to me wanting help with this question: “how do I deal with overwhelm?”

A few weeks ago, I was dealing with my own overwhelm.

My overwhelm always stems from being busy but not being effective. In other words, feeling like I’m not getting through my to-do list.

I had many meetings day after day after day (which means I get behind on desk work), my normal business activities plus I had to do a lot of extra work on my website and blog. All on deadline!

Add to that the things of life like husband, twins, cooking, cleaning and gym and you can see why I felt overwhelmed.

Doesn’t it feel good to know you’re not alone?!

New York City, July 2012

 

We all have our own reasons for feeling overwhelmed but the feelings are exactly the same: a sense of being out of control and a to-do list a mile long!

So what did I do to cope?

1. Make a list

I printed out 10 of my master to-do lists (available in the free download on my website) because it felt like I had hundreds of things to do.

I used one page for each project – project 1, project 2, website, blog, house, kids, etc.

The amazing thing was my imagination was much worse than reality because I didn’t even fill up half of those 10 pages 😉 Honestly, it does help to see how bad it really is, or isn’t.

2. Ask yourself a key question

When you feel overwhelmed, it’s important to realise that “this too shall pass” and to continually ask yourself this question:

What is the best use of my time right now? (I’m working on a free printable for you to download soon)

Remember, it’s not about being busy, but about being effective!

3. Cut out all non-essentials

Once you have the answer to the question in number 2, it’s easier to cut out the non-essentials.

Let go of the minor nice-to-dos (making your linen closet look pretty) and focus on things that will drive you crazy if not done (piles of laundry).

When you’re at work, ask yourself “what am I employed to do?” versus being concerned with fluffy tasks.

When the busy period is over, re-look at those non-essentials and really question whether you even need to add them back into your life.

I declared email bankruptcy awhile ago and it was so freeing. Who knew?

4. Focus and eat your frog

Now that you know what is most important, switch off cell phones, email, etc. and get it done.

If you have to do a report or a proposal, do nothing else until it’s done. And then, even when your day is done and the to-do list is still half a mile long, at least you have a sense of accomplishment in having completed the most important tasks.

5. Categorise and batch

Once you’ve eaten your frog, and you still have energy, then categorise whatever’s left and tackle those items in batches.

Take your to-do list and use letters in the margin, like P for phone, E for email, etc. Then pick up the phone and make all your phone calls in one go. You save energy because you prepare once instead of at 5 different times during the day.

This is how I deal with my overwhelm.

Coaching challenge

1. Print out a copy or two of the master to-do list
2. Empty your mind on the list
3. If you need help, Break out of Overwhelm will definitely help you. It’s only $47 and is my most favourite product ever.

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Comments

  1. This article couldn’t have had a better timing. At work I’m dealing with huuuuuuuge tasks to do in the shortest deadlines I could imagine, and I’m not sure if I’ll make it. The overwhelmed feeling is baaaaaad. Add to that the terrible news that I had a miscarriage 2 weeks ago, and you get an idea of how easily I could get depressed. I’m probably a bit, actually. Anyway, now at least I have a plan of attack for the overwhelming tasks at work, thanks to you! <3

    • Marcia Francois says

      Chloe, I can’t believe it! I am so very sorry for your loss! Let me know if you want to chat!

      • Thanks sweetie. I’m dealing with it one day at a time. And I’m getting professional help, too, it’s just too much to deal with on my own, especially with the crazy work I have right now. But I’ll be ok one day, it just can’t come soon enough!

        • Marcia Francois says

          So good you’re seeing someone. it is hard, so hard, and I love that you’re taking it one day at a time. I’m sure sometimes it’s one hour at a time!

  2. I make lists and I do my utmost to get ALL my hours of sleep. If I am well-rested then everything seems less overwhelming. I also make time to be quiet – helps a lot – being overwhelmed is usually a sign that I need to be still.

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