A friend recently asked me this question, and my honest answer is: Absolutely, yes—sometimes. I think this is something all parents go through. Some weeks, I feel like I’m doing everything right, then somehow, the house is cluttered again, there’s no real food in the fridge, and mornings are pure chaos.
When I’m in that overwhelmed space, I get anxious, stressed, and—let’s be real—snappy at the people who matter most. Instead of pushing myself past my limit with negative self-talk like “do better” or “work harder,” I’ve learned to pause and use a few strategies to get through tough times.
Here’s what works for me:
Tip 1: Take a Breath
I know, I know—when you feel like you’re drowning, taking a moment to breathe feels impossible. But trust me, it’s worth it. Whether it’s a 10-minute session on a meditation app or simply closing your eyes for five deep breaths, this small pause will help you reset.
Why it works: Taking a breath allows your brain to shift out of panic mode and approach the chaos with a clearer head.
Try this: Next time you feel like you can’t keep up, take five slow breaths. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a count of three, and exhale slowly through your mouth. You’ll feel just a bit calmer—promise.
Tip 2: Brain Dump
Once you’ve taken a moment to breathe, it’s time to tackle the chaos swirling in your head. Grab a pen and paper (or your notes app) and write down everything on your mind.
The key: Don’t worry about organizing it! Just jot down whatever comes to you:
- Return the report card.
- Approve team’s timesheets.
- Buy a new air filter.
- Plan dinner.
It doesn’t matter how random it feels—getting it out of your head and onto paper is the goal. If you’re a recovering perfectionist like me, you might want to color-code or organize it neatly… not now, friend! Just dump it all out.
If you can’t think of anything because you’re so overwhelmed, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and let the thoughts surface. Those things preventing you from being present? Write them down.
Tip 3: Organize, Delegate, and Plan
Now that your brain dump is complete, it’s time to sort through the mess:
- Decide what’s urgent and important.
- What truly needs to be done now?
- Delegate what you can.
- Can your partner, kids, or technology (like an app) handle anything on the list?
- Plan what’s left.
- Schedule tasks that aren’t urgent, so they stop living rent-free in your head.
Quick Win Tip:
When you have a long to-do list, it’s tempting to tackle something that’s easy but unnecessary right now—like buying a birthday gift for a party that’s a month away. Resist the urge! Instead, pick something urgent but simple. Crossing that off will still give you the dopamine boost you need without wasting time on something non-essential.
A Final Reminder
This too shall pass, my friend. Overwhelm is temporary, and you’re stronger than you realize. Take a breath, write it down, and tackle it one step at a time.
You’ve got this.
R