Coronavirus is all that everyone is talking about day in and day out! Have you ever been so overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done that you feel somewhat paralyzed and do nothing? If you saw my Instagram stories this week, you know that I was in that place. It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes I get super overwhelmed. I think all moms do, right? The source of this week’s anxiety stems from Coronavirus obviously. I have cooked and cleaned the house more than ever! Hubby is now home but I still feel on edge. I’ve shared a few ways that I deal with being overwhelmed below.
MAKE A LIST
I’m a list-maker through and through and sometimes it really helps me to map out everything that needs to be done so that I have a clear picture. Sometimes the list ends up being shorter than it feels and sometimes it isn’t. The best part of making a list for me is the feeling of crossing things off of it. I love using highlighters and colored pens in my Day Planner, they brighten up my mood and I’m able to tackle my tasks much better as crazy as that may sound!
PRIORITIZE
Your first instinct will be to prioritize based on the deadline, and you probably need to do that most of the time. But I tend to prioritize by eliminating the biggest source of anxiety first. For me, that’s usually what I can physically see – messes, laundry, etc. I can’t focus unless my surroundings are in order and I always feel like a huge weight has been lifted once they are.
SAY NO AND MEAN IT!
Once you make your list and prioritize, you may see things that aren’t necessary. Say no to those things. Cancel plans if you have to. Say no to unnecessary time constraining activities and yes to getting your shi* done.
PLAY WITH YOUR KIDS
I know, I know – you have too much to do. I get it. But forget the list just for a few minutes, get down on the floor, and play with your littles. They have a way of reminding you of what’s important without even trying. They are cooped at home as well and they need to feel a sense of happiness and calm from you at this time too!
REMOVE YOURSELF
Take a walk around the block. Take a nap which in my case my son barely let’s me do if he’s awake. Exercise, yoga and pilates at home has been my savior. Get some fresh air. Clear your head. Everything you have going on will still be there when you return but you’ll have a renewed frame of mind when you get back to it and can tackle it with a new outlook.
TREAT YOURSELF
Obviously with having to stay home during this pandemic going out is out of the question. That does not mean that you cannot treat yourself at home. This week alone I have had hubby make our family meals on more than one occasion(lucky to be married to a man who can cook without burning the house down), I am usually the one who gives my son a bath at night and puts him to sleep but I have split those duties up with my husband for now! I also take an hour a day two to three times a week to give myself ME time! I do my nails, put on a face mask, diffuse my favorite essential oils, take a bath or read a book! It’s my ME time and I need it!
These times are uncertain but we will all get through this! How are you guys keeping sane during these hard times? Drop a comment below and let me know!
I love these. I usually treat myself to some Diet Coke if I feel overwhelmed. And then I read a book!
I love all of these tips. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed during this time of uncertainty.
I have simply just resigned myself to the fact that this is life right now and we are all in it together.
I’ve been only checking the news once a day and spending a lot of tie catching up on things around the house that have been put out. Those are great tips!
I definitely relate with feeling overwhelmed and paralyzed. I have had to distance myself from Corona conversations. I love getting fresh air and I have recently gone back to painting as a coping skill. We’re all in this together!
I know that this is such a challenging time for us all but I think we can use this as a chance to spend more time with ourselves and with our family!
These are some great ideas, I’ve been trying to work out how to deal with things day to day, I’m just so tired at the moment. I’m definitely keeping a worry list going.
I am a list maker as well. We plan everything we need to do when having to go out n about and keep all social distancing recommendations in practice. We also have a nightly wind down where we all take a few moments to talk about whats going on in our heads for the day and the future. It helps just getting it out in the air sometimes.
Every tip you listed is fundamental to go through this pandemic situation in the best way! Thanks!
Though I don’t really have a problem dealing with my kids except for their delayed obedience, I really do need to play with them. My youngest is 10 and my oldest is 20… I think I need to look for our Monopoly board again. Thanks for the tips!
Lists are such a great way of dealing with being overwhelmed. I’ve started using them to make sure I’m getting things done each day and not just lazing around. It helps a lot.
There is so much going on. Everything brings negativity in some ways. Thank you for reminding us on how to deal the present.
Remove and treat yourself is key. Plus, I say do what you say, and say what you mean. Otherwise it is a bunch of fluffy BS and causes fights. All of us need to stay safe and make the best of this to get project done.
Lists are my sanity saver too. I have a terrible memory due to a head injury, so I am constantly taking notes and making lists.