From overwhelmed to in control!
- jasmine Falconer
- Apr 24
- 2 min read
Feeling overwhelmed is a common issue in modern life and often results in clutter. We can often feel overloaded with work, family and home responsibilities. Trying to manage everything can feel tiring and stressful- our homes can often become disorganised and messy as a result.
The most important thing to say about overwhelm is that it is not your fault! It is a physiological response to stress. When we take on too much, our brains react as if under threat and go into fight or flight.
This can lead to procrastination and feelings such as anger, frustration and shame.
Although overwhelm is not our fault, we can take steps to help prevent and manage it. The following three small steps will give you the basics to get back on track.
Unattainable Standards
We often hold ourselves to unattainable standards. We want to do tasks to perfection from work to our home lives and everything in between.
We try and do everything 100 percent or do too much trying to prove ourselves. This leads to feeling burned out and stressed.
Whenever you are doing a task, ask yourself these questions:
Is this necessary right now?
Is this good enough?
Am I holding myself to unrealistic standards?
By asking these questions, we can see if we’ have reasonable expectations and then make a decision.
Our homes may not be Instagram worthy but they will be functioning, giving us more energy to do things we enjoy.
Non Negotiables
When we are in overwhelm, we can’t think clearly. Imagine trying to do a shopping list while you are running from a tiger!
This is where you need non negotiables. These are tasks you do without fail to keep things ticking over. When you can’t think clearly, this list will keep your life running until you’re back on your feet.
For example, daily washing up, putting bags and coats away, putting gym kit in the wash, hanging your clothes up.
These may seem like small tasks, but doing the basics can be the difference between staying grounded and in control or feeling out of control and things piling up.
Taking Action
When we are overwhelmed, the priority is to take action. It doesn’t matter how small the task, only that you do it.
For example, the washing up, picking clothes up or the easiest task on your to do list.
It doesn’t matter what you do, only that you do it.
You are signalling to your brain that you are in control. This will reduce the stress response.
One action leads to another and you will find yourself able to function again.
So to recap- Good enough is good enough, non-negotiables are key and always start with the easiest task.
Overwhelm is an awful place to be, but with planning and strategies we can be there less often and recover more quickly.
If you found this helpful, please like or share. I appreciate your support!
Ps. If you would like professional support and strategies, you can book a free consultation here:
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