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We’ve all been there, feeling like we are spinning multiple plates in the air while riding a skateboard. We’ve all felt the pressure of one more task to complete, one more person that needs something from you, one more deadline to meet, one more meeting to attend and no more energy to care.  Life is busy and our calendars get full while we still have people that rely on us.  So, what can one do to stop from getting to the breaking point?

Delegate

Whether at work or home, learn how to delegate, even if it is a small task.  Anything that gives you back a few moments, and a bit of sanity is worth delegating.  Are you a parent with small children? If they are old enough, have them help load the dishwasher after dinner. Teach them to clear the table.  If your kids are older, make sure they have chores to do around the house.  If you are a caretaker, you may need to find someone to give you a break and get away for a few hours or a weekend.   If you are a manager at work, learn how to delegate tasks to your team. No manager can or should take on everything at work.  Being a control freak doesn’t make you a better person; teach others how to do certain tasks or projects and let them learn from you.  As a manager, I always want to prepare the next person to take over my job if I were to leave. Delegating requires trust in the person to whom you are handing over a task.  Resist the urge to watch over their shoulder the entire time; this creates a feeling of inferiority in the person to whom you have delegated.  It may not be the end of the world if they do something different than you.  Let it go.

Build a task list.

In case you are not the type of person that creates lists; give it a try.  There is something mentally rewarding about marking off a task from a list.  To some, it may sound silly at first, but try it.  Create your task list for the day, the week, or the month.  Personally, I like to list out everything I need to accomplish for the day and start there.  If I know there are tasks that need to be done in the future, I will put it on my calendar and write it down on that day’s list.

Walk away.

This sounds counterintuitive to being responsible and finishing your task list, but sometimes you just need to step away.  If you look at your list for the day and immediately feel overwhelmed, you might just need to take a walk around the block, walk on the treadmill, do some jumping jacks, or anything to get your blood flowing and your lungs breathing.  There are plenty of statistics out there on how deep breathing and/or exercise are good for your brain.  When you return to your task, chances are you will be ready to start to prioritize.

Take time to recharge.

Similar to walking away, this concept is to remain healthy.  Destressing takes practice, you have to create time to take care of yourself.  Put a de-stressor on your task list. Maybe it is a simple shopping trip, perhaps a pedicure, maybe you want to go to a park and walk alone, but whatever it is, you must make time for it.  You cannot be of assistance to others if you have nothing left to give.  I know it is cliché, but you’ve heard it said that you have to put your own oxygen mask on before you tend to the passenger next to you. 

Learn how to say  No.

It isn’t selfish to say no to an invite, a volunteer opportunity, or something at church once in a while.  If you are continually saying “yes” because you feel guilty, you will not be doing whatever it is you have been asked to do with heartfelt motivation.  Sometimes a “no” is as healthy as a “yes”.

Pray

I never start my day without first praying.  I build time into my morning routine to sit with my coffee and my bible app.  Reading God’s Word focuses me and prepares me for the day ahead.