To say that I get overwhelmed sometimes would be an understatement. In fact, sometimes I get so overwhelmed that my body just shuts down, it doesn’t even want to move. Of course, when you have kids, a job, and a life to run, you can’t just sit their overwhelmed, you have to do something about it. Instead of being overwhelmed all of the time, here is how to accomplish more!
1. Delegate those tasks
When it comes down to it, you cannot do everything. Ask your family to help you out. Do you have kids? They can help you out in some way shape or form. Toddlers can help pick stuff up and older kids can help do chores around the house. Ask your spouse to pitch in and other relatives. There’s no sense in trying to overexert yourself to make everyone happy.
2. Take it one step at a time
What if you can’t delegate those tasks to someone? It’s time to take the next route. Take a deep breath and take everything one step at a time. Seriously, pick a step and start with it. It doesn’t have to be anything huge. It can be the tiniest task on your list, just go for it.
3. Learn to say no
I think one of the biggest problems with being a person in society today is there is so much going on. There are events, sports, parties, school, and family functions. One way I have been able to accomplish more when I feel overwhelmed is to say no. it took me a while to realize that it was okay to say no. In fact, when I did say yes to everything, it overwhelmed me even more. Saying no to some events or parties is okay, you don’t have to make it to everything.
4. Make a list
One of my favorite things to do to help me accomplish more is making a list. When you make the list, you prioritize everything from most important to least important. It’s crazy how tasks can add up quickly, which is why you need to take the time to make a list and number which is the most important. If you don’t like paper lists, you can put reminders on your phone or download an app called Remember the Milk to help you make a list.
5. Eliminate those Distractions
When I really need to get something done, I can find anything to distract me. That is when I seem to get into a mood to clean the house or take the dog for a walk. It’s amazing how easy it is to procrastinate or get distracted when things need to be done. When I start doing this, I know it’s time to eliminate those distractions and get to work. Take Facebook off your phone if you need to. Sometimes we have to go to great lengths to accomplish tasks whenever we feel overwhelmed.
6. Do what it Takes
Sometimes it takes grabbing a coffee from Starbucks to help me get motivated. I look at my list of things I need to do and I instantly become overwhelmed. It’s then when I get in this mentality that I need to do what it takes to get stuff done. If it takes going to Starbucks and getting hyped up on yummy caffeine, then let’s do it. I get way more accomplished when I have that caffeine pumping through my veins.
7. Do Things Right
One thing I have learned when you get overwhelmed is that it’s not worth it to take shortcuts. Always do things right the first time, even if you are overwhelmed. If you don’t do things right the first time, it’ll always come back to haunt you. Something I will always do is make sure I do it right, even if I am out of time.
8. Take a Deep Breath
Where is all of this pressure to get things done anyways? I never get anything done when I feel stressed. NEVER. I have to literally sit there, take a deep breath, and come up with a plan. Stress is what you feel when you think you have to get everything done at one time. Is it you making yourself THINK you need to get everything done at once? Settle down, take a deep breath, and go from there.
9. Get the Hardest Things Done First
Don’t save the worst for last. Do the worst first and the rest will be a piece of cake. I kind of make it a challenge for myself whenever I have a lot on my plate. I look at the tasks ahead of me and pick the worst things on my list. I take those tasks and I obliterate them and get them done. There’s no sense in dragging it out and making it worse for myself. Instead, I’m all about getting those hard things done first, so I can focus on the not-so-hard things.
10. Turn on Good Music
For some reason, no matter how overwhelmed I am, turning on music seems to help my situation. The faster the music the better. Sometimes I feel like I’m in a movie and the faster music is going to help me get stuff done. Music also calms me down and helps me feel like I can tackle the world.
11. Get Rid of the Stress
Something else you can do to help you get more done is get rid of the stress. Exercise, eat a healthy meal or draw a beautiful piece of art. Until you can get rid of that stress and overwhelmed feeling, you may not get much accomplished.
12. Take a Nap
Seriously, when all else fails and I can’t seem to get anything done, I just take a nap. Usually, post nap, I feel as though I can get so much more done. Losing sleep is not going to help you get anything done. Don’t fight the sleepiness, give in and enjoy your productiveness after nap time.
What tips would you offer to someone who wants to get more done, even when overwhelmed? Share your tips in the comments below!
