When you feel overwhelmed, try this

There's so much on your plate, but you don't need to do it all at once

When it feels like your to-do's are piling up, there's a new stressor around every corner, and all of the problems have to be solved right this second...

Don't do anything. Just pause.

When you're overwhelmed, it's almost impossible to respond with wisdom and compassion. It can, sadly, create a vicious cycle — you instinctively react, which amplifies the stress, which increases your overwhelm.

Instead, try this.

Take a breath. Close your eyes and imagine all of those tasks, stressors, and worries all stacked up in a big pile, weighing you down.

Then, imagine pushing that stack over. Watch as they fall in a row across the ground. What's the one that has fallen closest to you? That's the only one you need to deal with right now.

You physically cannot do it all at once, and it's unkind to expect that of yourself. Just take it one by one, picking up each item and dealing with it the best that you can.

When you feel overwhelmed
The New Happy
 

 
New Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World That's Got It Wrong by Stephanie Harrison

The Definitive Guide to Happiness

A groundbreaking new approach based on a decade’s worth of research and brought to life with beautiful artwork, New Happy shows you the proven path to happiness.

 
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You don’t have a motivation problem