Holiday Overwhelm–How To Avoid It

The holidays are right around the corner, and for many of us, that means feeling overwhelmed. There's just so much to do at work and at home. And it can be tough to find a balance between the two. 

Do you get caught up in holiday frenzy?

Signs of overwhelm include:

• Feeling constantly behind
• Difficulty concentrating
• Exhaustion
• Procrastination
• Anxiety
• Irritability

If you’re feeling any of these things, reassess your priorities, increase you focus, and spend some time on self-care.

Priorities

The holiday season is a time to enjoy, so don't let overwhelm ruin it for you. One way to deal with feeling constantly behind is to try and do less. Make a list of your top three priorities for the day and focus on those. And don't forget to schedule in some down time for yourself. It's important to relax and recharge, so you can face the holiday season with a fresh perspective.

Remember that it’s not essential (or even beneficial) to get everything done. Focus on getting the right things done. Prioritize the activities that you and your family will be glad you did years from now.

Focus

If you have difficulty concentrating, try breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. Make a list and stick to it. Eliminate distractions. Turn your email off, close your office door, use noise-canceling headphones, and try the Pomodoro technique. Lately I've also been using Focusmate.com. I have found it to be very beneficial in helping me to stay focused and productive during this very busy season.

Really need a reset? Take a walk, do some breathing exercises, or drink some water. Doing something different and changing your focus for 10 minutes will refresh you mind and help you see solutions where you were stuck before. Set a timer, though, and get back to your task after your refresh. If you have an Apple phone, I highly recommend the BeFocused app for setting your Pomodoro timer and your timer for breaks. I’ve used it for years, and it helps me quite a bit.

Balance

For women leaders, work-life balance is often a struggle and can be even more so during the holiday season. We are often pulled in different directions and must make tough choices between work and home. Often, we sacrifice our own health and mental well-being to meet the needs of others. This can take a toll on our careers and personal lives.

If you're struggling to find a balance, there are ways to overcome these challenges.

Here are a few:

When you're feeling pulled in different directions, it's important to take a step back and assess what's really important to you and your family.

Spend time in solitude and listen to your inner guidance system. This is the voice you hear when you’re alone and still. She is wise and insightful. Pay attention to her. What is she telling you to let go of? Do you need some rest? Do you need time for yourself. Follow your inner guide, and you’ll get back on track soon.

So, this holiday season, don't let overwhelm ruin it for you. Take some time for yourself and relax. And if you start to feel overwhelmed, just take a step back and reassess. You got this!