Overwelmed? Me too. 5 Tips to Get Past the Stress

Truth time.  I’ve been feeling stressed the last few weeks.  Between work, side hustles, and life, I’m spread pretty thin.  Although I’m really excited about these projects, there aren’t enough hours in the day.  Unfortunately, this isn’t my first rodeo.  In fact, I probably find myself here every month.  I can’t seem to help myself.  But instead of hiding in a dark corner and crying, like I really want to do, I’ve actually gotten pretty good at getting past the stress.  Here are 5 things that I personally do…

 

Make a list

My brain often feels like a beehive when I’m stressed – ‘buzzing’ from all the things I need to do.  So, the first thing I do is make a massive to-do list.  There is actually some psychology behind it, where the completion of small goals or tasks actually provides motivation to get more done.  My fellow list-makers know the feeling.  

So, if you don’t make lists now, DO IT.  It gets you out of your head and helps you get a grip of all the things you need to.  Plus, crossing something off is so damn satisfying.  

 

Ask yourself, “Is anyone going to die?”

A bit dramatic, but it’s a great way to put things in perspective.  If you’re anything like me, I put more stress on myself, with my self-critical tendencies, than anyone else ever could.  Take a step back from your work, take a deep breath, and realize that it’s not as bad as it seems.  

Look at that list, cross off a few low hanging fruit to get the motivation going, and PRIORITIZE.  Not everything needs to get done now.  In fact, there may be a few things on that list that don’t even need to get done.  Why?  Because no one is going to die if they don’t get done.  Now, if someone is, please make sure you cross those off first 🙂

 

Speak up!

I used to be so scared to tell my manager that I was stressed/overwhelmed.  It was the perfectionist in me.  Instead, it would bite me in the ass because I would end up making mistakes or missing a deadline.  Since I never said anything, it only caused disappointment or even anger from my team.  

It’s so important to set expectations with your manager, client, etc.  You may even find that there’s some flexibility in the original deadline.  At the very least, advance notice allows those depending on you to be prepared from their end.  There is no perfect, only happy clients.  

 

Take a break.

Counterintuitive, I know.  But for whatever reason, the more stressed I am, the higher the likelihood that I’m going to end up on the couch binge-watching Gilmore Girls / Frasier / Gossip Girl / every show on Bravo yet again.  I used to feel guilty, but I eventually learned that it’s healthy to step away from the work, from the stress, and take a moment for myself.  I think they call that “Self-Care” now.  I’ve always called it “Ways to Not Burn Out.”  

It’s hard to keep constant vigilance.  [Yes, that is a Harry Potter reference]  You need to come up for air from time-to-time just so you can dive back in again.  Don’t feel guilty about it.    

 

Wear something that makes you feel strong, powerful, and put together

I’m not saying this just because it’s a fashion blog (but it helps that it is).  As Bill Cunningham said,

“Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.”

I use this quote a lot because it’s amazing how different we feel internally, based on our outward projection.  This outfit makes me want to get work done – The top feels fun and creative, with the asymmetrical cutout and tulle ruffle detail.  The slides are strong, reminiscent of a gladiator.  I’m pretty sure those guys were badasses.  And there is nothing bolder than a red lip.   Together, it’s comfortable but put together.

So Pinky, let’s go take over the world!

---

Top: Nordstrom
Pants: Banana Republic, old.  Similar, here and here.
Shoes: & Other Stories 
Earrings: Bauble Bar