Have you ever noticed how little you get done when you are stressing, anxious, or upset?
You spend time worrying about all the things you have to do and little time focusing on getting things done. It’s overwhelming and frustrating!
Think about how much you could do if you took the time and energy you spent on worrying and applied it to your task list.
I am, I think, in the middle of one of the busiest times of my life and that is saying a lot! I think back to other busy times; when I moved our family from Connecticut to Singapore, organizing various and sundry volunteer events and I think I know I was busy then. Why is this any different?
The difference is that I am involved in multiple projects and they are all coming due at the same time. That is a prime example of bad planning. But, no one planned it – it just happened. And, it is overwhelming. There are no two ways about it.
How am I staying on top of all of this without stressing?
Well, let’s be honest – I do stress a little.
Do One Thing
I look for something to do to move one thing forward. If I stop, take a breath, and acknowledge that I CAN do this. I relax into the process of getting that one thing done. And then another.
I know everything is going to be fine.
I know that everything that must be done, will be. Are there little details that may get left behind? Perhaps. Most likely not anything that anyone other than myself and a very few other people will notice but time will tell.
Overwhelmed?
At this time of year, when schools are gearing back up there’s lots going on – especially for busy parents.
There are school supplies to purchase. Made more complicated by the fact that each school system and grade level has their own set of requirements.
Clothes to look at and assess. Has the child outgrown their shoes? Is the backpack good enough to use?
Does your child need/want electronics – phone, tablet, laptop?
There may also be volunteer opportunities for parents to sign up for.
This is on top of your job, paying bills, doing chores, taking care of the children, and your home!
I’ve only mentioned a very small sample of things that may be going on which stress people out.
How are you going to get this done?
RELAX
Did you know that when you smile your face relaxes? It also relaxes people around you. When you smile at someone, usually they will smile back. It’s an easy way to create a friendly atmosphere which is much more relaxing.
BREATHE
Take a breath – a really big inhale and exhale. You will think better.
Three things at a time
Think of things in threes. What are three things to do? Once they are done, think of the next one, two or three things.
Try not to make a lengthy list.
If you do make a lengthy list, create small lists to keep you on track for the three things you are doing right now.
Three is an easy number. Do one thing and there are only two more things to do. Get one more done, leaving one thing to finish that part of the list. Do the final thing and give yourself a reward!
Reward yourself
Relax. Smile. Read a book or a magazine. Listen to beautiful music. Sit and watch the grass grow. Play a game with your child. Walk the dog. Take a powernap.
Then do the next three things.
Use a paper calendar
Use a calendar. I like paper calendars because I can see the week at a glance. Try and plan your week so that you spread things out over the days and times you have available
This is how I’m going to get all the things I need to do done!
How about you?
Are you overwhelmed by all that you have on your plate? Relax. Try my strategy. Let me know if it works for you!
Worrying is unproductive. I’m with you on that one completely. In general, I don’t like to spend time worrying, but I am human. So sometimes I do it. I like (and also use) many of the strategies that you suggested for times of stress like breathing, taking breaks, grouping to-dos into smaller lists. But I also do these things when I’m not stressed. And in a way, I think the consistency of practicing some good habits helps me during the more stressful periods.
I have no doubt that you’ll make it through this particularly busy time with grace, humor, and implementing all of the excellent tips you shared with us.
Thank you, Linda! I love that you use some of the strategies I describe here. Also, I agree with you – using these strategies consistently makes everything run more smoothly.
It is so easy to get overwhelmed at the start of the school year. It seems like everything comes crashing in at once. Plus, many are also trying to “re-enter” from a family vacation, which is also extra work. I was just reading somewhere else your idea of thinking in “threes.” I like this idea, because it keeps the list from looking intimidating. It is a simple method for prioritizing, and if you check off all three, you can always list three more. Great idea!
I like your suggestion to do things in threes. Often I’ll say to myself that I’ll get this “one thing” done then I’ll reward myself with a break. If I only take a break after every three things, I’ll be finished that much sooner!
Try doing things in threes. I have a lot of success with this strategy!
Breathing is key for me. Also, writing steps out on what needs to be done helps me a lot. Then, of course, checking them off the list is my favorite thing to do! When I can’t finish something in the allotted time, I write the task down on a sticky note and place it on the next day planner page so I can assign time for it tomorrow.
I love your idea of writing the unfinished task on a sticky note to attach to the next day planner page! Thank you for that.
I love the fact that you remind us that when we smile, we relax ourselves and others. So much of the tension in a household or workplace comes from our stresses feeding off one another. Thanks for the reminder!