What can I do to stay calm and focused when I feel completely overwhelmed by my to-do list?
(Thomas Bormans / Unsplash)
To-do lists can feel so daunting, especially when they are a mile long. It’s totally normal to feel completely overwhelmed by everything that you have to accomplish so let’s remember that any progress is better than no progress at all. There are only so many hours in a day, so try to accomplish what you are capable of in a realistic timeline! If you’re stressed about your to-do list, try some of these tips to help you stay focused and productive.
Know what type of to-do list is the most triggering for you. If you are the type of person who you are stressed about where to start, avoid making a to-do list that involves numbering. Stick with something simple like bullet points to keep yourself grounded. If you are the opposite kind of person and you feel the weight of having to complete the most important task, use numbering to help you prioritize what needs to be done first.
Be mindful of deadlines to help you stay organized. If there are things that must be completed by a certain time, it’s important to keep that in mind to avoid any consequences (ex: do that paper you were putting off first so you don’t lose any unnecessary points for a late submission!)
Try breaking tasks down into smaller, more feasible items so it seems less daunting.
Place less important tasks on the back-burner. You will get to them, when you get to them!
If possible, delegate some of your tasks to others and ask for help. There is no shame in needing someone to support you in getting things done.
If you’re starting to panic, take a deep breath and regroup. Walk away for a minute to ground yourself and do a small self-care activity, like taking a quick walk outside, listening to a podcast or some music, or a little power nap.
Avoid any distractions! Stay away from social media, TV shows that you may be currently binging, a good book, or anything that will divert you from the list, especially if time is of the essence!
ALWAYS remember to cross off something when it has been completed so you have a physical representation of your progress and success, because you have one less thing to worry about!
Samantha Southard
Related questions
