6 Tips to Banish Overwhelm (Part 1)

When’s the last time you heard a woman say she was overwhelmed? Chances are, it was recently.  Maybe even today.

As women, we play many different roles and juggle a lot of things at once. Overwhelm is a natural by-product of that.  So, before we go further, let me assure you that feeling overwhelmed is perfectly normal.  It’s nothing to get down on yourself about. Now that that’s out of the way…

When I began focusing on this topic, I headed over to Webster’s Dictionary to check out how it defines 'overwhelmed.'.  When I did, it was even more obvious why feeling overwhelmed can be immobilizing.  One definition was:

“To defeat someone or something completely.”

Yikes!  And the synonyms  included things like “crush,” “devastate” and “oppress.”

On that note, let’s kick overwhelm to the curb!  Here are the first three of six tips to do just that:

#1:  Schedule Daily Reflection Time

In the morning, before you start checking your email, getting kids ready for school or other morning activities, take 5-10 minutes to set your intention for the day. 

• How do you want your day to go?

• What are the top 3 things you'll do?

• How will you ensure this happens?

At the end of the day, look at tomorrow's schedule and make a general plan for the day.  Taking time to reflect brings clarity andhelps you feel more in control of your life.

#2:  Check Your Assumptions

Too often we operate on autopilot, assuming we should do things simply because we've "always done it that way." What if you re-examine your assumptions?  Wouldn't it be great to rid yourself of some of those tasks that seem like a waste of time?

Reflect on what you do in a typical day or week or month. For each task/activity, ask...

• How important is this to me?  Why?

• Is this really necessary?

• What if it didn't happen?

• Is there another way to do this that would take less time?

• Can I delegate it?

My clients have done things like:  give up volunteer work they were doing out of a sense of obligation; eliminate unnecessary paperwork; and cut down on meetings.  

#3: Enlist Support

Do you feel you have to do everything yourself? (professionally, personally or both) No wonder you're overwhelmed!  

We aren't meant to work in isolation.  Heck, even Jesus needed the support of his 12 disciples!  I can't think of a better example than that.  Think of how much more you could do with a strong support team around you. 

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In a couple of weeks, we'll explore tips 4-6 for banishing overwhelm. Stay tuned!