How Do I Get Organized When I Feel Overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed can be a common experience for many of us. We may feel like we have too much to do and not enough time, or we may be dealing with unexpected events that have thrown our plans off course. When we're overwhelmed, it's easy to feel like we're drowning in a sea of responsibilities, and it can be difficult to figure out how to get back on track. However, there are strategies we can use to get organized and regain a sense of control.
But first, I want to remind everyone on your start to an organized home…
Sometimes when we’re in the midst of the organizing, we look around at the piles of categorized things and think we’ve created a disaster. I’m here to remind you to that this is normal, and to trust the process. Now let’s get started!
Make a List
The first step to getting organized when we're overwhelmed is to make a list of everything we need to do. This can be a simple to-do list or a more detailed list of tasks and deadlines. By writing everything down, we can see exactly what needs to be done and prioritize our tasks accordingly. It's also helpful to break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This can make them feel less daunting and more achievable.
Start with the Space That’s Bugging You Most
Once we have a list of everything we need to do, it's important to prioritize our tasks. What is that one drawer or surface or closet that makes you angry every time you look at it? The one you give the evil eye whenever you’re looking around the house? OR ask yourself which space is the most urgent? For example, do you absolutely need to find that dress for an upcoming wedding or that specific charger for your Nintendo Switch? By starting at our most frustrating areas, we can feel great accomplishment and use that excitement as momentum to continue organizing the entire house.
Start Small and Break It Up Into Categories
As mentioned earlier, breaking larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps can be helpful when we're feeling overwhelmed. This can make tasks feel less daunting and more achievable. We can also use this approach to tackle tasks that we may have been putting off. By breaking them down into smaller steps, we can make them feel less overwhelming and more manageable. Instead of organizing the entire kitchen, break it up into categories of cups/utensils/pots and pans/etc.
Set a Timer
It's important to limit our time and take breaks when we're feeling overwhelmed. If you try to do too much in one sitting, one day, or even one week you will get too tired and burnt out to really appreciate and enjoy your progress. Taking a break can help us clear our minds, recharge our batteries, and return to our tasks with renewed focus and energy. We can take a short walk, do some deep breathing exercises, or engage in an activity that we enjoy. By taking breaks, we can avoid burnout and maintain our productivity over the long term. We want to get the momentum going without burning out.
Use a Planner
Using a planner can be a helpful tool when we're feeling overwhelmed. By scheduling our tasks and activities, we can ensure that we're using our time effectively and making progress on our goals. I rely so much on scheduling out all my tasks so that I feel like I have time to accomplish everything. This is a small but mighty tool for avoiding overwhelm.
To wrap it up, feeling overwhelmed can be a common experience, but there are strategies we can use to get organized and regain a sense of control. Take it a little at a time and really enjoy the progress you make with each step. And always remember, “IT OFTEN GETS WORSE BEFORE IT GETS BETTER.”