How to Deal With Being Overwhelmed

If you are a hot mess under pressure...this blog is for you!

Here are 4 tips that will help you get your life together:

Tip #1: Plan Ahead

If you know you are in for a hectic week...write a plan!

Create a list of everything you want to accomplish for that week (your goals).

From those goals set bite sized targets each day that all lead to you achieving the larger goal. This will give you clear insight of what you need to achieve and keep you on track in attaining your goals. When you don’t have a clear plan to achieve what seems to be impossible objectives that’s when you start to stress.

Tip #2: Easier tasks first

Sounds strange! But I clearly remember this theory from Kurt Lewin (Yes, I did Business Studies). His theory states accomplishing and crossing off smaller tasks on the list will help you to feel as if you are getting somewhere and therefore you will feel more inspired to take on the larger targets at the end because you have already built up your self-esteem and you are now a “super hero”.

Many advise to do hard things first and then easier tasks but from my experience I become frustrated if the larger tasks don’t seem to be working out. Then the panic starts because absolutely nothing on the list has been achieved because all of your time was focused on tackling the larger task.

…Try it Lewin’s way!

Tip #3: Learn to Say No!

Now I talked about this in my Productivity Hacks blog and chile….I have to reiterate this again!

Thou shalt learn to say NO!

Being a "yes" person puts more on your already full plate. For projects that are last minute, unscheduled and avoidable politely turn them down.

Taking on additional work creates panic and causes you to deviate from your initial plan which we spoke about in Tip #1.

Tip #4: Breathe and Break

All work and no play makes you a dull person! Sitting and working continuously even with tight deadlines can actually be counterproductive. Take five to 15 minute breaks where you can take a stroll to the water cooler, eat a quick snack or if you are at home nap a bit.

Power naps are LIFE!

Taking small breaks allows you to reset and remain focused on the task at hand.

Share your tips with us below.