How to get through overwhelm to have a more mindful and productive day.

Why hello there gorgeous one.

It’s been a month since I’ve been here and it has been nice to get back writing to you all.

You see, I definitely needed the break.

As you know I’ve been sick on and off for a while now. My 2 year old keeps spreading his germs and I’ve been picking them up.  Instead of listening to my own advice that I write on here, I just pushed on through.

I was out of alignment.

Yep, that ultra-spiritual word thrown around a lot in the personal development world.

But, it’s true. I was not doing the things that light me up, I was pushing through doing all the things (type A personality and all), and slowly burning out.

I was not having fun.

It was all work, no play and not enough delicious artisan coffees!

So taking the time off meant I was able to seek help with the burn out, gain more energy and breathe more creativity back into my spirit. All of the tips I learnt during this time I’m going to be sharing with you over the year. (I’m planning on doing some webinars to help – although that’ s a pretty boring word for an epic online party for our sisterhood to find ways to wave goodbye to the beast called anxiety and cheers in an abundance of energy that will help you get through your day. Somebody say ‘Yeow!’).

Something that has really helped me cut through the overwhelm to help me have more balance in my day was this one simple boundary.

CREATE 3 THINGS ONLY TO DO FOR THE DAY.

Yep, you heard me. 3 non-negotiable things that have to get done and that’s it.

Since doing just 3 things, I have felt less frustrated and more on purpose. I mean I could overwork but I was missing the fun aspect (don’t get me wrong work can be fun, but I mean fun outside of a work environment). And then I would rush my bible reading and not really apply it.

How I was able to get to this point was I answered some questions in my journal:

// the area of my life I’d like to change is…
// the new outcome I’d like to envision is…
// how would you like your life to be different with this new outcome?
// how would this new outcome serve you?

I then journalled my ideal day and then summarised it into 2 sentences to form my intention for the day. Today’s intention: I feel purpose each day and have good flow of work and fun. I will fill up my needs intuitively.

Cause let’s face it, you have a lot of things that you feel you have to do right?

But how much of it is actually getting done?

Throw anxiety in the mix and depending on what type of anxious person you are you either: a) busying yourself more to not deal with the overwhelm or b)finding yourself slumped either in bed or watching t.v because it all is JUST.TOO.MUCH.

My 3 things are structured on the following:

1)      One work related item. (For me that was writing this blog post)

2)      One personal related item. (It can be spiritual development, booking that much needed eye test, or reaching out for help).

3)      One pure fun item. (Taking my son to the park and sliding down the slides with him. We’re also renting out some movies tonight).

Life is meant to be lived. It’s meant to be delightful and it’s meant to be purposeful.

The key with managing anxiety and figuring out your purpose each day is in the simple steps.

Nobody got time for multiple (and often pointless) things to get done right? (Said in a gangsta voice). 

And remember the season you are in.

As a mum who juggles the biz, my part-time teaching job, church commitments and study I don’t have the luxury of time that I had pre-kid. Before Flynn, I could devote hours to blogging but now, I just physically can’t. Me resisting the fact I can’t do things the way I used to, meant I was getting sick. Now, I get one thing done for the blog and it feels good! I’m actually making progress.

What 3 things are you going to do today?

I’d love to know in the comments below.  In fact, I’m celebrating my 3^rd Blog Birthday (happy birthday to me – shoves chocolate cake in mouth and sips champagne), and if you comment you’ll go into the draw (it’ll be drawn at end of June) to win Sarah Wilson’s book ‘First We Make the Beast Beautiful: A New Story about anxiety.’ (Note: If I can’t send the book internationally, an alternative prize will be sent).

And if you loved the post please share with all your beautiful friends by using the buttons below.