When I feel overwhelmed (or stressed), at the moment that I feel that way I take 10 deep, deep breaths.  This usually takes me just a minute or two — like as deep as I can possibly inhale, and then let it all out, 10 times.  This helps to reset the nervous system, as when we’re more stressed or feeling overwhelmed, our breathing tends to become more shallow, which means less oxygen to the brain, and less well-being.

A quick 5-10 minute meditation also helps me to get centered and relieve some of that anxiety. And often I might have a little insight about what I need to prioritize, what I need to just let go of, and what I can outsource (for $3-$10/hr) or delegate to someone else.

I like to take a preventative approach… That is, if I’m getting overwhelmed, maybe there’s more on my plate than is optimal in my life… even if I’m trying to accomplish a lot.

My favorite insight is to realize that it’s not about doing more or working a lot…

It’s all about being the most effective with the least amount of effort.

Bigger results with less input.  Can I line things up so that more gets done while I work less?

Hope that helps Lori. 🙂

The feeling of being overwhelmed or just “too busy” is actually a state of mind. We have the time, it’s just a matter of what we choose to do with it.

First, I simply recognize the whispers of overwhelm before they actually overwhelm me and then I try to choose differently. Choices are of my choosing.

Then I breathe, deeply. Breathing is actually a built-in mind/body stress reliever. Quite handy (or should I write nosey and mouthy), eh? I just take the time.

Or even take a time out. Sometimes I just stop doing whatever it is I’m doing and I do something else, or at least think about the people and the times that bring me a sense of peace, calmness.

I also practice meditating, often in quick, easy (but still hard) moments. I wrote a post about overwhelm several months ago, and I still refer to it time and again.

Smiles!