Make a much shorter to-do list! 15 quick, simple ways to avoid overwhelm

Set time aside for ‘constructive worrying’

Overwhelm can come from multiple worries going round and round in our heads like a washing machine, which can deplete our energy. A helpful strategy is to set aside 10 to 15 minutes each day for “constructive worrying”, where you write down your concerns. You can then apply cognitive strategies such as “if, then” planning (“if X happens, I will do Y”) or assess worst-best-probable case scenarios. This process can help reduce the emotional intensity of worries and lessens overwhelm. Sometimes, you may just need to remind yourself to tackle one problem and one task at a time. Nick Hatter, psychotherapeutic coach, life coach and author of The 7 Questions