Overwhelmed? I've Got a Trick That Will Help
Promise.
Happy Thursday,
This week, I’m starting with some talk about eras. What era are you in right now? Is it a get-ready-for-winter era, or maybe a trying-to-keep it together-til the end-of-the-year era?
Me? I’m fully entrenched in two very distinct eras…
A getting-used-to-my-unintentional-bangs era, with a subtitle: looking into a class-action lawsuit era against my Madrid stylist, Eduardo Scissorshands.
A trying-to-power through-a ginormous-to-do list era (without entering a crumbling-from-overwhelm era)
*Note that I’m also in an I-don’t-know-or-care-how to place hyphens for eras-era so please ignore any mistakes.
And since the first era is a lost cause (they’ll grow, they’ll grow, I know…), I’m working on #2 and the understandable overwhelm that happens when your to-do list is so full you don’t know where to begin.
Note that I’m reporting on this and not acting as an industry expert by any means. I’m an expert in feeling overwhelmed, yes. But an expert in dealing with the overwhelm? Um…that would be a no.
My favorite solution is to step away from the list and do something else.
Anyone else like this method?
For me, this always comes in the form of exercise or some wellness practice, because I figure… if I’m slacking off, I might as well be productive.
I’ll justify mid-day walks by combining them with tasks like answering emails, listening to new podcasts to include in my newsletter, or just stepping away for air and steps.
And I’ll tell you what… these walks or workouts help.
In fact, it was during one of my workouts last week that I came up with a mantra for the “got too much to do” syndrome I’ve been suffering from.
It came to me as I was knee-deep in knee lifts and jumping jacks during my 7:25 a.m. workout class. While I ultimately received a message (which you can skip to below), let me show you what my head traffic sounded like:
Self: I am so screwed. I’m never going to get all the articles done.
Higher Self: Freak. Simmer. You WILL get it all done, but newsflash, you need to actually start something.
Self: I know, I know. But I don’t know where to start.
Higher Self: Freak. Again, simmer. You’re not curing cancer or landing a spaceship for crying out loud. Your list is doable. When you get home, try this novel concept - sit down at your computer (for more than 20 minutes) and then do one thing. One little thing… that will move the needle.
DO ONE LITTLE THING THAT WILL MOVE THE NEEDLE.
BAM!
With that in mind, I stopped spiraling and started powering through my workout, plotting what my one needle mover would be later that day.
Back at home, I moved that needle, and then found something else that would move it even more. And so on.
Now, I’m not going to lie… my to-do list is still kind of a mile long. And some of the things on it still wake me up at 3 a.m. (Just last night, in fact.)
But by putting my entire list on snooze and simply moving the needle bit by bit… everything feels a lot more doable.
Maybe the same could help you.
(Have a convo with your higher self and see what they tell you to do.)
In the meantime, I’ve gathered some things to ponder when you’re stepping away from your to-do lists.
If you stick around to the very end, you can see exclusive photos of my bangs and the hairdresser’s strange cutting technique that led to the demise of my bangs. 💇🏻♀️
Let’s go!
THINGS TO DO THAT AREN’T ON A TO-DO LIST
GET COZY
Instead of eating out, stay warm and cozy (and save money too) by cooking at home. Maybe host a soup party? My husband recently made this Greek chicken soup that was lemony, creamy, but not, and just plain fabulous.
GET STYLISH
I need new BOOTS, and I can’t stop thinking about these chocolate brown ankle booties (made in Spain❤️), but I would also wear these (any day of the week), and will add one more winner for good measure.
I also need stylish and comfy loungewear. (Okay, this is a want.) But seriously, l love the look, feel, and color of this slinky ribbed tee and these pants to go with it.
When it’s cold, we wear sweaters. And while I’d love to wear this sweater called The Very (as in expensive), I know that Quince has lower-priced options like this delightful option in heather chocolate brown or their signature $50 Mongolian cashmere series.
Speaking of cashmere, you gotta keep your melon warm. So why not do so in style with this Mongolian cashmere beanie?
Go ahead, try to unsee these jaw-droppingly cool grey winter walking shoes by Merrill. Since I have issues with white feet in cold weather, I wonder if they are HSA-approved? Maybe?
GET COOKING (OR BAKING)
Get rid of these three things to drastically improve your entire family's health.
Another action your family would appreciate is to make these low-carb brownies or this sugar-free chocolate chia seed pudding.
And, the meat eaters will finally see why the vegans do what they do when they bring this delicious side dish to Thanksgiving.
GET ANSWERS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH
Raise your hand if you’ve experienced a time when you went to the doctor with an ailment, dropped a ton of cash, and got exactly ZERO answers or solutions to your problem? 🙋♀️🙋♀️🙋♀️🙋♀️ Don’t even get me started. The good news is, the system is slowly changing, with online options that provide (wait for it) answers to your problems. If you’re ready to try something different, try Tia Health for women of all ages, Midi Health for women in mid-life, or Parsley Health for “functional medicine that solves what others miss.
Speaking of health, if gut health is on your mind,
