Strategies to Help the Overwhelmed

Are you feeling overwhelmed?! Studies show that most Americans are, however, there are simple actions we can take to lighten our load and relax. Following these simple strategies reduces stress and anxiety—allowing us to function at a more optimal level and helping us to reach our potential.

#1 Write it Down

Many times we are stressed because we don’t write things down. Writing down our worries, challenges, fears, struggles, appointments, and anything and everything else on our mind will help us to clear our heads. Writing things down can also be therapeutic in a way as it can calm our fears and help us feel more in control of our issues. Now you may be thinking that you don’t have the time to do this but even 5 minutes a day can help tremendously. So, if you feel overwhelmed, slow down and write it down.

#2 Prioritize

Make a list of your to-dos for the day and determine what is truly important. If necessary, postpone or cancel less important items, ask for help on items that can be accomplished by someone else, and then don’t add any new items to your plate that do not need to be added. Prioritizing your activities for the day will allow you to do those things that really matter.

#3 Get Organized

Clutter and disorganization around us is a representation of our lives and reminds us of all we have to do. If our desk is constantly cluttered, then our ability to feel less stress and be organized is greatly impaired. Thus, we should take the time to organize any visual clutter that we may see. Doing so will help lower our stress levels, and it will help us to feel empowered and ready to face the challenges of the day.

#4 Start Small

When possible, start your day by tackling the small items that must be done. Taking care of the small stuff builds confidence and prepares us for the bigger must-do items for the day. As our list dwindles and more is accomplished, our stress levels go down and some relief comes.

#5 Take a Time Out

This is much easier said than done, but taking a time out to relax and get our minds off all we have to do energizes and provides us with a greater capacity to accomplish all we have to do. Exercising, reading a book we enjoy, talking to friends, or spending quality time with our family are all ways to relax, rejuvenate, and refocus. Though it may seem we don’t have the time, making time for a time out will lower our stress, relieve our anxiety, and will allow us to accomplish more.

So it is time to stop feeling overwhelmed or at least it’s time to start doing something about it. Following the simple strategies of writing it down, prioritizing, organizing, starting small, and taking a time out every day will all greatly help us relax and reach our potential. We can do it!