It’s the holiday season again. A time of year where the feeling of overwhelm is more common then Christmas decorations in a mall. Not only are we doing all our normal tasks but we have added Christmas shopping and entertaining to our endless list. The promised warm feelings and bliss of the season is rarer then a Santa Claus with a real beard. So what do you do?
One of my favorite strategies to lower overwhelm is to start breaking things down. Take a task that is overwhelming you whether at work or home. Write it down and ask,”What are the steps required to complete it?” For example-I need to create a Christmas card. Before I can create one I have to choose the pictures. Before I can do that I need to get my husband’s password so I can access the pictures. Now I am breaking the task into steps and rejoicing when each one is accomplished. It is so easy to feel overwhelmed when you put a chore on your schedule then go to do it and realized you are blocked everywhere you turn. Instead of completing anything it feels like it grows into a huge mess. No wonder it’s easy to procrastinate! Next time you feel overwhelm sit down and began to break your projects into bite-sized portions. Your sense of relief and accomplishment will increase and maybe just maybe you will experience a little of that Christmas joy!
Tapping as you know is a fabulous way to lower overwhelm and move into resourcefulness. If you haven’t tried it this video will show you how
Here’s a script just for overwhelm…
Karate Chop:
Even though I will never get everything done I love and accept myself anyway.
Even though I feel so scattered I accept my feelings.
Even though I have way too much to do I accept myself anyway.
Eyebrow: All this tension.
Side of Eye: This pile of work.
Under Eye: I’ll never finish it.
Under Nose: It’s all too much.
Chin Point: I’m afraid I am forgetting something.
Collar Bone: I will let people down.
Under Arm: It all takes too long.
Top of Head: This overwhelm.
Positive Round:
Eyebrow: I can break my projects down.
Side of Eye: I can take one step to completing something right now.
Under Eye: Maybe I don’t have to get it ALL done.
Under Nose: I can delegate a few items. (or alot of items 🙂
Chin Point: I celebrate each step towards completion.
Top of Head: All is well.
Have an amazing Monday. (and everyday!)
Leanna Fredrich, Leadership, Career and Stress Management Coach
Leanna@amazingmondays.com