Feeling overwhelmed? Is “I have so much to do!” your daily mantra?
Between work, kids, pets, errands, exercise, appointments, and surprise glitches, life’s demands can feel never-ending. When everything feels urgent, it’s easy to start feeling overwhelmed. It can be paralyzing and harder to accomplish anything efficiently.
Here are five practical tips to help you manage your daily life, stay productive, and regain control without feeling overwhelmed
Tip #1 – Create and Adjust a Daily List
Start each day with a list. I use the Notes app on my phone, so it’s always with me. It’s not just about writing things down—it’s about giving your day structure. You’ll also need flexibility. Life happens. Edit your list as needed throughout the day.
Tip #2 – Reassess What Actually Needs to Get Done
Take a closer look at your list and ask yourself:
- Is this really a priority?
- Can it be delegated?
- Can it wait?
Here’s an example list and how you might reassess it:
- Take the kids to school – Can a neighbor help or could you carpool?
- Give a big presentation at work – This one’s a priority.
- Exercise – Try a 30-minute online class or a walk with hand weights. Flexibility helps reduce stress.
- Vet appointment for the dog – Is it urgent? If not, reschedule for a more convenient time.
- Pick up dry cleaning – Does it really need to happen today?
- Pay bills – Non-negotiable. Do it.
- Washing machine service call – Use the wait time productively (call family, prep dinner, make appointments).
Be honest with yourself: what truly needs to happen today?
When you pause, you reset your nervous system.
A centered mind is a more productive mind.
Tip #3 – Build In Mental Breaks to Stay Focused
Take two short (10-minute) breaks daily. These are non-negotiable.
- Turn off your phone
- Do some deep breathing
- Walk around or stretch
- Listen to calming music
- Drink a glass of water.
When you pause, you reset your nervous system. A centered mind is a more productive mind.
Tip #4 – Follow What Feels Slightly Better
I borrowed this one from Bashar, and I love it:
“Do the task that feels slightly better in the moment.”
If rescheduling your haircut feels better than calling the dentist, start there. If writing an email feels better than tackling your spreadsheet, go with that.
You’ll still get everything done, but you’ll do it with less resistance. Energy matters.
Tip #5 – Master the Illusion of Time
This one’s a little metaphysical—but stick with me.
Time is a human construct. There’s a belief that we can bend time to meet our needs. I’ve tried it, and it works.
Once, I was running seriously late—9:50 AM for a 10:00 AM appointment across town. I asked my Higher Self and angels to help me arrive two minutes early. And I did. Right at 9:58.
The point? Ask for time to expand. Say:
“Let me have all the time I need to do what I need to do today.”
You’ll be surprised how things rearrange themselves.
Final Thoughts: Work With Time, Not Against It
Yes, life is busy, but some of that stress is self-imposed. Be honest with yourself. Trim your list. Take breaks. Choose the easier-feeling task. Ask for time to support you.
And if something doesn’t get done?
Most of the time, it’s OK.
💡 Need this reminder daily?
Share this post with someone who’s overwhelmed, or bookmark it for when the chaos creeps back in.
I recommend you read Understanding Spiritual Light: Simple ways to improve your mood for more help managing the stress of daily life.
