Overwhelmed

Monday, June 02, 2008
We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once.
-Calvin Coolidge


The last week of school, with all of the activities, projects, and parties; a time-consuming coordinator position with the kids' swim team; a handful of writing assignments, both recurring and new. These are the factors in my currently crazed schedule. Life is good, just full.

We all have times of super-busyness, where hours and days are swallowed whole by our to-do lists. For me, I know this state is temporary, with a calmer schedule on the horizon. In the meantime, here are a few things I'm trying in the face of overwhelm:

*Picking one thing from my various responsibilities to tend to, and staying present with it. In other words, focusing on one task to completion versus a little of this and a little of that. It's satisfying to cross something off the list.

*Maintaining perspective. All is well. I'm grateful for all of the people and projects going on in my life. Instead of "too much work," I can remind myself of the opportunities and blessings that each situation provides.

*Prioritizing. Certain things have due dates, other things can be done less quickly, even though I tend to take everything (too) seriously.

*Taking breaks when I can. Even short ones to stretch after too much computer time make a difference. Letting myself stop to have lunch and do the crossword puzzle (my relaxer) allows me to face my work anew.

*Squeezing in some fun. A half hour meet-up with some friends at the local coffee shop really revives me. It also helps to have some things to look forward to, even a plan to watch a DVD with my husband later in the evening.

*Exercising. This really dissipates stress for me. Particularly outside exercise like a walk or a run. I should also include "clean eating" here, but I tend to turn to snacks and treats when I'm anxious. I know I'd have more energy if I ate right, though!

*Asking for help. Most of what I'm working on is up to me to handle. But even asking my family to give me some extra alone time so that I can get some projects done, counts as support.

There. I've crossed another thing off the list: my blog post!

--MP

5 comments:

Angela Mackintosh said...

Hi Marcia,

I hear ya!! I just checked my email and I have 3,977 unread emails in my inbox. =/ Aaaaarrrgg!! I checked it once at BEA but missed two days. Talk about overwhelmed... yikes.

Thanks for the good advice. I'm going to print it out and tape it to my bulletin board to remind me. =o)

Wishing you an un-stressful and productive day,

Ang

Marcia Peterson said...

I will try not to send you any e-mail today, Angela! Wow, that's a full inbox you've got. Hang in there! :)

Cher'ley said...

Seems like a typical time for most of us. I'm way, way too busy. (All the time)

I've been trying only do my email every 2 days, but I feel much better now that I see Angela has 3,977. Surely if she can wade through those I can do the couple of hundred that come my way.

We do need to set priorities. Thanks for letting us know we're not alone.

Shelli said...

I know that I'm so much happier and feel less stressed if I get up early to write. With that checked off my list, I can let the day go by in whatever way it comes.

Gee, I am wondering what ya'll do to get so much e-mail?

Marcia Peterson said...

Angela is the Founder/CEO of WOW! Women On Writing. So she's always pretty busy! :)

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