5 Proven Strategies to Beat Overwhelm and Take Control of Your Life
Feeling overwhelmed? This guide offers practical tips to help you regain control, manage stress, and stay focused.
How to Beat Overwhelm
Feeling overwhelmed? Welcome to the club! Feeling regularly overwhelmed is something most people struggle with, and it can negatively impact your quality of life and your performance at work. Over the years, I've helped my clients regain their sanity, organization, and boundaries to beat the constant feelings of overwhelm.
Here are my top 5 tips to beat overwhelm that have worked for my clients for YEARS!
1. Stop Speaking It Into Existence!
Watch your words. Stop saying “I can do hard things!” All this does is manifest more hard things for you to do, and who wants that? Instead say “I can do anything!”
Instead of saying things like "I am so overwhelmed," say, "I got this!" Remember, the words you speak are creating your future reality. The more you talk about and focus on being overwhelmed, the less in control you’ll feel, and the more life will throw at you to exacerbate that feeling. It becomes an endless cycle. So, to break the cycle, start speaking into existence the new reality you wish to create, one where you feel calm, in control, and efficient. Here are some affirmations to help you do that:
2. Use Affirmations to Break the Cycle.
Every day, tell yourself these things, and repeat them several times while taking three deep breaths during moments when you feel overwhelmed:
I am capable.
I am able to get things done quickly and efficiently.
I no longer take on more than I can handle.
I know my limits, my capabilities, and strengths. I plan accordingly.
I am focused and organized.
I get shit done!
I am getting ___________ off my plate now!
I am proud of how far I’ve come. I’m getting better at this!
I am calm and in control of my emotions.
I am controlling what’s within my power and letting the rest GO!
I can do this!
3. Set Yourself Up for Success.
Keeping your daily task goals manageable is key. Make a master list of all the things you’re working on and what needs to get done to help you see the big picture and stay organized. Keep it handy, but every morning, write down just 3 things you KNOW you can accomplish today. Keeping that daily list small is the key. We want to create a culture of WINNING that encourages us to stay focused and accomplish what needs to be done. Keep it simple and keep your promise to yourself to get those 3 things checked off no matter what. This will build your confidence in your ability to follow through and achieve your goals.
4. Clean Up Your Plate!
Start saying no to things you know you can't commit to or deliver on time. If your plate is full, it's full. Period. Stop saying yes to everything! Stop volunteering for things you don’t need to raise your hand for. Understanding your current obligation load and managing your time is key. This will help you avoid taking on more than you can deliver and get things off your plate that you don’t NEED to be committed to. Simplify wherever possible. Just because you've always done something or forced a task or activity into your schedule doesn’t mean it’s healthy for you to continue doing it. Reevaluate your priorities and focus on those exclusively until you have realistic openings on your plate.
5. Calm Your Mind.
Meditation is key to a healthy, calm mind and a fulfilled life. Its benefits have been proven for decades (or longer). Start using a tool that has been PROVEN to work for some of the most successful people on the planet (LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Oprah, etc.). It’s one of the best ways to combat mental overload and overwhelm. Commit to doing a 10-minute meditation every day—it’s simple and easy. Pick a guided meditation for any topic that fits how you’re feeling that day. There are ones for calming your mind, healing, energy cleansing (my favorite), abundance, and much more. When you start your day in a place of calm, gratitude, and by saying your affirmations, you’re setting yourself up for success.
Incorporating these strategies into your daily routine will help you beat overwhelm, reclaim control of your life, and become the best version of yourself. Trust yourself, and start small—every step forward counts!
What do you think? Are you feeling overwhelmed? What’s helped? Your feedback, thoughts and questions inspire my writing, thank you for your participation and support!
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About the Author
Sarah Centrella is a sought-after expert in personal development, with over a decade of experience coaching teams and executives at leading companies like Pinterest, Nike, Sony, Verizon, and Morgan Stanley. She is the Founder of VIVIAMO and author of three best-selling books and the creator of trademarked methods that provide actionable strategies for creating purpose-driven lives and thriving workplaces