My sister and I were texting and this topic actually came up in our conversation. She and I both have bouts of anxiety. We agreed that there is a need for keeping it simple. This could be over a huge thing or the tiniest of things. Sometimes it is a cumulative effect of dealing with many things in a row and that little thing at the end sends us over the edge. So, how do you get through feeling overwhelmed with life in general? Keep it simple.
On days when I am trying to get a lot done I like to make myself a checklist. For one thing, this helps me organize my thoughts. Secondly, I enjoy seeing items crossed off the list. It makes me feel like I am really working on it:) The important idea to remember is that some days I can get everything done and others I do not complete the list. And, THIS IS OKAY! This is where “keep it simple” comes into play.
“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” — Winnie the Pooh
Positives vs. Negatives
Look at the positives of getting done what you got done when using a checklist. You got up, you did something, and you crossed it off your list. YEEHA! Do not guilt yourself with negative self-talk about how you “should have” “would have” or “could have” done a better job with your list. The list is just a tool to guide your efforts. It is not the end all defining you as a person.
Achievable
Are the items on your list actually achievable? I mean, will you be able to cook a 6-course meal for your friends who are arriving in an hour and you are just beginning your food prep after dealing with a cranky child all day? Probably not. It is better to carve your tasks into little chunks. This allows you to get things done and begin to see your list shrinking before your eyes as you cross things off.
Prioritize
Make sure that you prioritize your list. What are the things that you really want to achieve? Put those items at the top of your list. Once you complete them the rest of your list is “gravy.” If you continue completing tasks beyond those priority items you will feel like you own the world!
Congratulate Yourself on Keeping it Simple
Be sure to congratulate yourself for the items you completed no matter how small their achievement may seem in the moment. Keeping it simple allows you to revel in your own ability to set some easy goals and reach them.
Remember that YOU are the one in control, not anyone else.
3 responses to “Keeping it Simple”
When this happens to me, even if the anxiety isn’t due to “things to do”, I make a list. I make endless freaking lists LOL. I almost never get the list done at once, but just keep updating the list as I go. The listing helps me clear out my head and bring some structure to the stress. This act alone helps me so much in those moments. I’m also finding if I take an hour or two to just stop everything – stop trying to “do” and step away from my phone to cook, read, something to distract my brain but in a more passive way, helps tremendously.
Your posts are so helpful in reflecting on how I do or don’t cope with situations and providing helpful suggestions that I can reference – thank you!
Thank you for your kind words and sharing your thoughts! I really appreciate it. I love to hear from my readers. I would also love to know what other topics would be helpful.
Keeping it Simple is so important to me! Some days I just get the basics done: exercise, meditate, clean a couple things and cook supper. And thats ok. I make it ok because I love myself and know I’m doing the best I can. ..Similarly, I like to have something planned every day to get outta the hse, but am careful to not overschedule. Best way to avoid Overwhelm.