Keep It Simple
We will all encounter times in our lives when we feel a bit lost or overwhelmed. In a world full of options it is easy to make the overwhelm feel worse by thinking about all the things we could or should be doing. In these moments we can find ourselves focusing on the wrong things.
In keeping with the title I have some simple advice to help in those moments:
Stop what you are doing and take a time out, go for a walk, take a bath, call a loved one, it doesn’t matter you do just do something different to some space between you and the things that are overwhelming you.
Write a list of the things that are overwhelming you and then begin the process of putting them in order of importance with the most important item being number one.
Focus on working through the list one task at a time, a mountain is climbed one step at a time and your list is the same.
When you know which item on your list needs your focus make a simple plan to get it done. Break it down into small simple steps, this helps you to refocus and be present on what you are doing.
Plan downtime, when we feel overwhelmed we think we have to throw everything we have at the things we are doing. In these moments we often forget to plan for rest and recharging the batteries. We are always much more effective when we are well rested. This may make the pace slower but it will reduce the chance of mistakes and having to repeat ourselves.
Ask for help, if you don’t need to do it all - don’t!
Try not think of your list as a whole, just focus on what you are doing right here in this moment.
Make sure your expectations are realistic. Some times it is hard to work that out for ourselves, a good way to get some perspective is by talking our plans through with a friend or family member and asking them whether they think it is realistic. You don’t need to change your plans because of their feedback but it may help you to see where you are being too tough on yourself.
Be kind to yourself, you are doing your best.
Remember that even though it feels tough right now, you are growing and learning.
