Where Do You Start When Feeling Overwhelmed? Tips to Manage Your Life

Feeling Overwhelmed

In today's world could almost be called a typical feeling. Sad, isn't it? That feeling stems from simply having more to do than you feel you can possibly manage. It's a very real feeling but, fortunately, the solution is also very real.

In this article I'm going to help you answer the question of where do you start when feeling overwhelmed. Later in the article I'm going to give you some tips to manage your life.

OK... let's start.

First,

Write down all you need to do. I know it seems counterintuitive but this step is necessary because it will give you an overall idea of all the things you need to schedule, but also because it will probably let you know things aren't as bad as they seem.

Second,

Take just a few minutes and write down a priority beside each of these tasks. Some may be high priority in that they have to get done really soon and some may have a lower priority and can be put off.

Third,

Consider delegating some of these tasks. Can your spouse help? How about the kids?

Fourth,

Take the high priority tasks left and figure out an order for them. See if you can multitask with some of the lower priority tasks.

Last time I did this exercise I ended up going for days with the same list and noticed day after day the same tasks getting put off. I finally realized that they weren't so important after all if every single day the importance of other tasks always trumped them. I think I finally just either scheduled time to get them out of the way and finally get them off my mind or just took some off my list altogether.

Tips to manage your life

· Learn to create a to-do list - This is an invaluable tool which can help keep life from getting out of hand.

· Learn to delegate - There's no reason you have to do things that others can do just as well.

· Get accustomed to not getting everything on your to-do list done today - Sometimes we can only get so much done before we're just mentally done for the day. Learn to accept when your Super woman cape gets repossessed.

· Learn to ask for help - There's no shame in this. It isn't a sign of weakness...it's a sign of strength.

· Learn to say no if needed - I love this word because saying yes to something is automatically saying no to something else. Just remember that.

· Learn speed cleaning techniques - Everyone loves a clean house and it can be done.

· Create and follow menus - This is a super time-saver and stress reducer.

· Watch less TV - Regardless of what you think this does not enhance your life. Taking photos of your family and creating albums does. Singing does. Taking long walks with your spouse does. Reading does.

· Check your e-mail less - Just schedule time for this. Don't do it 15 times a day when 2 times would work.

Want more tips on managing your time better? Download my free ebook about Time Management for some wonderful ideas.

5 Steps to Take to Start to Prioritize Your Workload

A Must at the Beginning of any Time Management Plan

Is to figure out how to prioritize your workload. While it's not difficult...it can be very intimidating. You've got this list that's only in your head and, because of that, it can appear to be magnified and disjointed and even...dare I say... scary.

The reason prioritization is important is because you really can't figure out what to do first, what can be postponed, and what to let slide until you have...as the old saying goes...your ducks in a row.

In this article I'm going to teach you the steps to take to start to prioritize your workload.

First, Make a List Of Everything You Have To Do...Everything.

You can make this a work-related schedule or...like I do, include all tasks even cooking dinner and picking up kids. Just quickly jot them all down as fast as you can think of them. Don't slow down as our brain works much faster than we can write.

Second, Figure Out the Importance of Each Task

Not all tasks have the same importance. For instance, let's say you really wanted to bake those Christmas cupcakes for your child's class but, with the approaching holidays, you have way too much to do and can't possibly fit it in. After looking at your to do list you determine that...as much as you hate it...that's one thing that could slide if absolutely necessary.

The time savings of making a trip to a warehouse club like Sam's club or Costco (or even Walmart) simply can't be ignored. Console yourself with the fact that your child would probably love to help pick them out too.

Third, Figure Out Where Each Task Fits Best

If something has to be done by 10 am then it fits in the morning...period. Fit other things around that task. Fit as many tasks in as you can. Treat them like a jigsaw puzzle and see how tasks can fit together or flow together.

By fit together I mean multitasking and by flow together I mean one task naturally follows from the first...kind of like scheduling a dry cleaning run after stopping at the grocery store.

Fourth, Delegate If You Can

Spouse, family, and friends can be wonderful help if you ask (which we don't do often enough). Who knows, if you're really time conscious, you may even...unbelievably as it sounds...be able to help them out one day.

For instance, with the cupcakes mentioned above, suppose a friend had time to bake them while she was cooking for her family. You could frost them later with your child and still have that experience and save money at the same time.

At some point you may be able to similarly help this person out. with something such as picking up something from the grocery store for her while you're already there...thereby saving her a trip.

Fifth, Cross Off Your List

Anything that you'd like to do but you simply can't do yourself, delegate, or postpone. This includes tasks that have to be done by a certain time. You know you can only do so much. Just remember, you'll be remembered best (most often) by things you do...not by the things you didn't do. They'll remember the cupcakes no matter where they came from.

If You Follow These Steps

You'll get much more done and isn't that one of the main goals of any time management plan.

Are you ready to begin managing your time better? Download my free ebook about Time Management for some wonderful ideas. Also visit me at There Must Be A Better Way