Overwhelm. I was totally feeling the pressure recently at my son’s end of year school picnic.
I started thinking about all that had to be done. I thought of all the things that could throw the plan off. I was totally talking myself into a “worst case scenario” situation.
I knew I needed to make sure my daughter had her nap. She can be iffy on those. If she missed the nap, I’d be at this picnic with a hyper four year old and a cranky baby. I also knew that I needed to order the pizzas for the picnic while she slept. Once we picked up my son, we needed to pick up the food and haul it back to the park with blankets, chairs, toys and stroller in tow.
Two kids. One mama. Three hour picnic. I totally allowed it to drown me in overwhelm.
All the stuff on my list didn’t seem nearly as bad when I put it in perspective and took one thing at a time. So, here’s what actually happened:
I woke up knowing I had a full day ahead of me. The day started with me getting the kids ready, packing lunches and getting my son to school. Next, was my daughters art class. While she napped after class, I ordered pizzas for our contribution to the picnic. We got my son from school and headed to pick up the pizza. Then, my excited kiddies and I were off to the park. And you know what happened next? We had fun! We played games, we hung out with my son’s friends, ate lots of food, swung at pinatas and everything else the picnic had to offer.
At the end of the day, I had worked myself up for no reason it all.
Have you ever done that? Have you had something to do that was so simple but you make it bigger than it ever needs to be? Sometimes we build up so much anxiety over the smallest of things.
The best way to combat that for me I’ve found is to break things down. Just give yourself some order and do one thing at a time. When taking the whole of anything in one chunk it could be too much. It’s like trying to pick up a whole pound cake and chow down. No! We take it one slice at a time. Breaking things down into small manageable tasks works every time. Even when it’s something as simple as a school picnic.
So tell me, how do you deal with overwhelm?
42 Comments on Overwhelm? Totally Conquered!
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Oh, I hear ya! I’ve been in overwhelm most most of my adult life, I think. Haha. I get so overwhelmed that I end up doing nothing. I like what you say: “Give yourself some order and do one thing at a time.” Exactly. Excellent advice. Thank you for sharing this enjoyable article with us! Much appreciated.
Jeanne Melanson recently posted…Fox sounds you may not know exist, so watch this video
Breathe, breathe, breathe! Sometimes mommy needs a time out too. At the end of a hard day I’ll take a long detox bath, but in the midst of the mental chaos, a leisurely walk, listening to an inspirational podcast or finding an inspirational quote, or just staying mindful and knowing that the moment will pass is how I deal with overwhelm!! Glad you mad it through and won 🙂
Stacey recently posted…Your Tuesday Takeaway – Talk Less…Listen More
Congrats you made it through. Never let it take you down.
Debbie Denny recently posted…“Fillin’ yur Belly” in Branson – Garfield’s
I can sometimes feel overwhelmed when I have a lot to do that day, and it involves riding in the car for the kids. My middle child has aspergers and isn’t really great about riding in vehicles for too much. He also enjoys having a predictable life, so it’s overwhelming if something comes up all of a sudden that I must do.
Brandy recently posted…7 Ways to Save on Fireworks
I think as moms we all get overwhelmed by our “To-Do” Lists and it totally stresses us out! I love that quote and will be sure to read it on a daily basis.
Renee recently posted…Anna Boiardi Non-Stick Cookware Provides Function and Style
I always do that! Recently, I have started to just say, “skip that one and moving on…” It feels so good!
Carly Bellard recently posted…Gluten-Free Supplements: JuicePlus+ Review & *Giveaway
I used to get all worked up when I was on my own with both of my boys when they were little and I always ended up being just fine.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) recently posted…Rainbow Chocolate Chip Cookies
I think the only way i cope is by thinking positive! I get stressed really quick so i take a few minutes out and i am normally fine.
Kay Adeola recently posted…Ravensburger Peppa Pig Junior Mandala Review.
I think we all unintentionally make small things big things. Emotional issues and attachments can be hard to recognize in the moment.
I call that my overstimulation – just like an infant. I need a quiet break to reset myself. That usually works.
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama recently posted…Backyard Pool Time
So simple.
And so effective.
Thank you for your reminder!
Llyane: Parisian French Coach recently posted…Are you French-manners ready? (back to the fork)
I tend to overwhelm myself and make things seem bigger than they need to be. It’s great to see your day went well.
Tracey recently posted…Lost in a Prison
Yes, I can turn what seems to be the simplest of things into a world’s worth of worry. Breaking things down does make a big difference though.
Liz Mays recently posted…Let’s Experiment with the Trickles #PoisewithSAM
I can totally relate! Especially with how it’s all in your head. The other day I was in the middle of making dinner (2 different ones) and had all burners/oven being used and groceries all over the counter that needed to be put away. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but for a minute I panicked. Then I just picked one thing at a time, as you suggest, and it wasn’t long before I had it back under control. Love this. Thanks for sharing Camesha!
Anne Omland recently posted…Don’t Let This Hold You Back From Career Happiness
When I know there’s a packed day in front of me, I just need to stop and pray to keep things in perspective. Always helps!
Marina recently posted…20 old-school ways for kids to enjoy summer
I am a list maker. I will tackle the things that can be done quickly (and right then) just to feel like I have SOME control over the situation.
And then I’d have fun. 🙂
Jaime recently posted…Bucket list/Father’s Day camping trip (with a toddler)
It helps me to keep lists going on what needs to get done. And maybe things that weren’t as important fall off the do to list.
Beth@FrugalFroggie recently posted…CombersKC-Lice Treatment
I suffer from anxiety disorders, so everything is overwhelming to me at times. I can certainly relate to your feelings here.
Chrystal @ YUM eating recently posted…The Yuck Stops Here {12} #stoptheyuck
I was feeling quite overwhelmed within the last few days too. I just let it go and did one thing at a time and realized that certain things are out of my control. Thanks for the reminder
These are some great tips. Once I get things out of my head and write them down it is really helpful.
Yvelette recently posted…Encouragement For Those Who Are Following Their Dreams
Great advice. I do that a lot and my husband talks to me about it all the time. He says I over think things too much.
Amanda Love – Growing Up Madison recently posted…The Lego Movie Giveaway And Awesome Blog App! #ad
I basically do exactly what your quote says. When I feel overwhelmed with what I need to do, I do one thing at a time, starting with the thing in front of me.
That is a great way to handle it. Glad the day went well for you. I tend to make lists and if I accomplish the most important things at the top, I am good. Lists just help me feel more organized even if I am not.
Not a fun feeling. I like to take a step back and take a breather and just do one thing at a time.
Jenn @ The Rebel Chick recently posted…Enter the Pitch Perfect 2 Facebook Contest & Visit the Set! #PitchPerfect2
I can really relate to you Camesha. Actually, with a very busy schedule, sometimes we feel overwhelmed with so many tasks that we fail to accomplish even one task. Yes, you’re right when you said that you need to break down tasks into smaller bits to the point that it becomes manageable. Plan ahead as well to make sure you’ll do it in a systematic manner. 🙂
Oh man, it sounds like one of those days! You did a great job though!
Yeah in overwhelming situations I have to step back and pace myself. I work well under pressure actually but if it’s too much I will allow myself a mental break so I don’t have a breakdown.
Oh yes, I can related. And just like you noted, it’s usually getting myself worked up over nothing because it turns out great. 🙂
Rosey recently posted…$60 Applebee’s Gift Card #Giveaway
Great quote, I need to remember that one! I get overwhelmed so easy with 2 small kids!
Christie recently posted…LEGO Movie DVD Giveaway + Free Skit! App with LEGO Features!
Overwhelm… I feel that all the time, but my husband is really good at helping me and making it less stressful!
Sometimes you have to just slow down! I have to do that a lot!
Amanda recently posted…Today’s Top Deals
This is totally how I’m feeling today! There are way too many projects piling up before the weekend!
My day started out rough, but I made myself take a break from work for a while and that helped.
I feel overwhelmed a lot. I try to just make a list and stick to it!
krystalskitsch recently posted…Refuel With Snickers Peanut Butter Popcorn Recipe #Refuel2Go #shop
I totally get like that. I build things and situations up in my head. Often times I bow out of situations as a result of that. I try to make lists, that helps me a lot.
Emily recently posted…Introducing Les Mills Immersive Fitness
These days it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. When I do I take a break and have a quiet moment to regroup. Really helps
Onica {MommyFactor} recently posted…Cow Milking 101 – Wordless Wednesday
I get overwhelmed quite often. I try to make lists to deal better.
Toni recently posted…Create, Plan, and Share Hiking Adventures With Kamino App
OH, I feel your pain on this one! I easily overwhelm. I have learned that multi-tasking really isn’t good for me. It sometimes helps if I focus on one task.
Ashley recently posted…Body Acceptance: The Struggle is Real, Y’all
Story of my life. I’ve been trying to set little goals and just pick one thing at a time. It seems so much easier that way.
Christina S recently posted…Disney Social Media Moms On The Road in Philly
Great post! I am that anxious girl that needs to be reminded of this. keeping it simple- one step then the next.
Hi Camesha,
I loved your headline. Overwhelm gets me too but I find out, like you, things are fine.
Janice
It’s usually this big build up for nothing. Things tend to work themselves out.