Stress is one of the worst enemies that we encounter from time to time. You probably have one of those moments where you feel frustrated and worried about something, wishing that it would go away, instead it stays and haunts you. It probably makes you feel sick, tired, and overwhelmed both mentally and potentially emotionally. You want to tackle a task, yet you feel like your brain is just all scrambled up with all the things you have to do.
No worries, I face the same problems sometimes too. Over the past few years, I’ve developed this strategy that works for me on how to overcome this type of stress, quickly get me back on track, and start being productive again.
The strategy is quick and easy once you get the hang of it. In fact, it’s actually a short step-by-step process you can do anywhere and it’s easy to pick up that you can even start doing it as you read this article!
1. Take A Deep Breath, Drink A Cup Of Water, And Stretch!
Ok, you don’t have to stretch, but it does help if you feel tired. For a moment, forget about the tasks and problems you have to tackle right now. Just drop what you’re doing – figuratively speaking – and take a deep breath. Breathe in, breath out. Good! Now go and drink a cup of water. You got this.
If you are having trouble clearing out your mind, try taking a look at a blank wall or blank piece of paper. Sometimes it might help act like a mental eraser.
2. List Out Your Tasks
You have the option to do this mentally or write down your tasks on a piece of paper – which is recommended for people who are picking up this strategy for the first time.
Write down all your tasks that you have to do today. Don’t worry about the order. This way, you’ll be able to see what you need to do. The main purpose of this is to clear your mind a bit.
You can type it all out if you prefer that over writing.
3. Prioritize Your Tasks
Now, the second part to this is to start the process of prioritization. Simply figure out which one is due soon. Next, start numbering each task in order of the time it’s due.
Once you’ve done that, grab a few of the tasks that are due soon, and determine which ones are the most important that matter the most. You might even want to eliminate a few tasks from your list by using the 80/20 Rule as well as the Eisenhower Matrix method! Feel free to mark it however you want.
The goal of this part of the strategy is to tackle your problem with a plan and strategically approach the problem so it makes the impossible become possible!
4. Review Your Goals
Ok, now that you’ve gotten your priorities straight, it’s time for you to review your goals. Sometimes stress can make you lose sight of what’s most important in your life. So it is good to review your goals every now and then (preferably on a daily basis) to ensure that you are keeping your eye on the ball – in this case, the ball represents your goal. Why is this important?
Goals are supposed to give your life more meaning and to motivate you to work harder and smarter to do whatever it takes to live life to its fullest; however, this post is about overcoming stress, not about goals, so that will be in another post.
Related 3 Things That Stop You From Achieving Your Goals
5. Read Some Motivational Quotes
Chances are, by now, you are probably motivated or maybe not motivated so it’s important to get motivated. If you are motivated already, who cares! Follow this tip anyways, and get even more motivated to the point where you feel like you have this ticking time bomb of excitement that is just ready to burst!
To get things going quickly, I like reading motivational quotes: short, simple, and effective. You can find these by following people on Twitter or Social Media who posts motivational quotes or just do a simple search, and you’re off! By the way, be sure to follow us on our Instagram page since we post new motivational content daily.
If you have other means of motivation that works quickly and effectively, then by all means do it. After all, everyone is different, and what motivates one person might not necessarily have the same amount of impact to another.
Read 12 Tips on How to Stay Motivated and Accomplish Anything
6. Now Go Get ‘Em!
Hopefully by now, you are refreshed, motivated, and ready to go. Time to go tackle those remaining tasks with the renewed you! Good luck! You got this.
If you ever feel overwhelmed, simply repeat the steps mentioned above, and you’re good to go once more; however, if you find yourself doing this strategy too often – as in more than 5 times per day – this method might not be for you, try coming up with a strategy of your own, try a different strategy, or something has to change in your life.
Let us know about your strategy?
If you have a strategy of your own on how to overcome stress, please leave a comment below so that I and others can learn a new trick or two to add into our toolbox of lifehacks. I try my best to read and respond to all your comments.
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