It can be really tempting when you are overwhelmed to sit down and tell yourself “I need to get organized” or “Let me map out a plan.” It feels great in the moment because for that moment in time, you feel more in control. The problem is usually you end up adding MORE things to your plate, giving yourself more to-dos, and actually increasing your overwhelm. So, this year, instead of big, sweeping resolutions, try these 5 things instead.
- Give yourself 5 minutes:
Shift your clock and give yourself extra time to: get to an appointment, get to work, sleep, stretch, send a text to a friend, etc. This helps in two ways; if you aren’t always rushing, you automatically feel calmer, and it also slowly forms a new habit of not reaching for your phone every time you have 5 minutes. You can do it when you think of it, so you won’t be beating yourself up every day that you didn’t check a box.
- Make your bed in the am:
People always laugh when I tell them this and I haven’t done a scientific study, but I will tell you it works based on very real feedback, including my own. You get the sense of accomplishment early in the day, and the orderly appearance helps not have one more thing hanging over your head.
- Stretch at various points of the day while taking deep breaths:
This does not have to be a set schedule, and it can be done in 20 seconds. Stretch your arms over your head, do head circles, bend over and touch your toes, or whatever feels good to you.
- Set your phone on Do Not Disturb or Focus mode while working out or cooking dinner or even during the day at work:
People have varying levels of comfort with this. Personally, I like Focus mode on my iPhone because it allows me to customize notifications I do receive. For example, texts from my kids always come through. Whether you realize it or not, the constant notifications aren’t helping your overwhelm.
- Smile:
Fake it ‘til you make it. Have a tough project? Smile and say, “I’ve got this!” Feeling stressed? Smile and say, “today’s going to be a good day!” It takes just as must effort to frown or say something negative. I once saw a post (apologies, I cannot remember where) that said “find the glimmers.” Start to look for the glimmers in the day and make your own.
