Chapter 1: Understanding Overwhelm

Every morning, like many people, I face a to-do list that seems daunting. Today was no exception. Upon arriving at the office and reviewing my tasks, I quickly felt the weight of overwhelm and anxiety settling in.

In that moment, I recognized that I was the source of my anxiety. To reset my mindset, I decided to step outside for a brief walk. This simple act transformed my energy and reminded me of the significance of taking breaks to maintain productivity and efficiency. I acknowledged that my anxiety stemmed from setting unrealistic expectations for myself. Once I returned to a mindset of self-compassion, I found my body relaxing and my breath becoming deeper.

Back at my desk, I tackled my to-do list with a fresh perspective. Rather than succumbing to a mindset that equated worth with productivity, I focused on identifying the most critical task at hand and committed to it until my next break.

Cal Newport, in his book Deep Work, argues against multitasking, asserting that it actually detracts from productivity. Although we might feel busy, checking off minor tasks often creates an illusion of accomplishment, preventing us from achieving meaningful work. It’s only through concentrated effort that we can enter a state of deep work and truly enhance our productivity.

To facilitate this deep work, Newport suggests a rhythmic approach—working in blocks interspersed with breaks. This method aligns with how I and many influencers, like Ali Abdaal, structure our work.

Thus, contrary to popular belief, taking breaks is one of the most beneficial actions for productivity.

I utilize the BeFocused timer app on iOS, which segments my schedule into 40-minute focused work blocks followed by 5-minute breaks. During these breaks, I consciously avoid my phone and instead opt for stretching or walking outside.

I want to emphasize a few important points for both myself and you:

• Your value isn’t diminished by not being as productive as you’d like.
• The number of tasks you complete on your to-do list isn’t what defines your worth.
• Some days will be challenging; that’s simply part of life. Aim to be productive, but don’t cling to those high achievements, as they are fleeting.
• Regardless of how productive your day was or if you spent it relaxing, you are enough.

Taking breaks while working can significantly boost your overall productivity, especially during times of overwhelm. Breaks can rejuvenate your perspective and help you tackle tasks more effectively.

Here are 6 strategies to manage overwhelm and enhance productivity:

1. Identify the single task from your list that, if accomplished, would bring you closer to your primary goal and provide a sense of accomplishment.
2. Clarify your intentions regarding what you want to achieve with each specific task.
3. Divide the task into manageable blocks and focus on completing one block at a time.
4. Differentiate between high-value items on your to-do list and low-priority tasks that merely offer a sense of satisfaction when completed.
5. Create a ritual to prepare your mind for deep work—this could involve organizing your workspace, playing focus music, finding a quiet spot, visiting a café, or lighting candles.
6. Prepare your body for focused work by enjoying a cup of coffee, doing stretches, or engaging in physical exercise.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I invite you to join my free weekly newsletter on Substack for more insights.

Abi’s Wellbeing | Substack

insights and tips to nourish your mind, body, and soul.

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Chapter 2: Practical Tips for Managing Overwhelm

In this video titled "5 Tips to Overcome Feeling Overwhelmed and Procrastination | PRODUCTIVITY," you'll discover actionable strategies to combat feelings of overwhelm and procrastination, enhancing your ability to stay productive.

The video "How to Overcome the Feeling of Being Overwhelmed" provides additional insights and practical advice to help you manage feelings of overwhelm effectively.