4 Reasons You're Overwhelmed When You Don't Have To Be (And What You Can Do About It)

Everyone seems to be overwhelmed these days. Because of that, it is easy to believe the lie that this is simply how things are supposed to be.

But it doesn't have to be that way. We have more control over how we feel than we think.

So if you're overwhelmed, this post is written specifically for you. What follows are four factors likely leading to how you feel and what you can do about it.

1. Your schedule runs you instead of you running your schedule

Being reactive instead of proactive with our time is one of the biggest causes of overwhelm that most people miss. It is also a leading cause in us feeling busier than we actually are.

Plan ahead of time how you will spend your time and schedule it out, you'll be amazed at how much more you get done and how much better you feel.

I do this in two ways. On Sunday afternoons I look over my calendar for the coming week and schedule any missing items not already there that I know I need to do. Secondly, at the end of each workday, part of my shutdown routine before I leave is to look over my next day's schedule and fill in any missing gaps.

When you run your schedule, you feel much better at the end of the day.

2. Your email is out of control

One of the best things I did in 2019 was committing to keeping my inbox at zero (click here to read how I did and how you can to).

It might seem strange as to how keeping your inbox clean reduces stress when you seem to be fine with how you are currently handling it. But all I can tell you is that it has made a huge difference for me.

Even as I have been working on reducing how often I check email (currently only twice a day), I still keep it at zero. And because keeping a clean inbox is my goal, I am much more disciplined at handling email right away.

If you often feel overwhelmed, don't overlook the power of a clean inbox. Don't knock it before you try it, I guarantee you'll be glad you did.

3. You check social media too much

In Cal Newport's book Deep Work, which I couldn't recommend enough, he talks about quitting social media. To be fair, he isn't against social media, but he is against doing things that don't help you accomplish your goals.

Applying his principles to my use of social media, I have drastically reduced how often I check it. If you're like me, you check it more than you realize, especially when you get a second or two of downtime.

Currently, I now only check social media three times a day. Around lunchtime, right before I end my workday, and once in the evening (though not right before bed).

Social media allows me to connect and follow up with people (which is important for me as a pastor), I help run New City Church's social accounts, and it allows me to share things like my blog with others. So it is valuable to me, but it can also be a distraction and time-waster.

By reducing my social media intake, I right away felt more relaxed. Plus, it's good to train your brain to be left alone and think.

Like getting to inbox zero, I think you'll be shocked by how much better less social media involvement will make you feel.

4. You don't plan your downtime

We all need time to relax and recharge. However, many times we spend a good amount of time on social media or fiddling with minor distractions because we aren't sure what to do with our downtime.

While it might seem counter-intuitive, planning ahead of time what you are going to do (especially if you don't enjoy sitting around very long) increases your ability to relax.

Knowing how you are going to spend your evenings, for example, makes the day more enjoyable since you already know what you will be doing that night.

You don't have to be overly-strict and plan your downtime to the minute, but at least knowing what you are going to do helps you set clear expectations for what is ahead and even allows for you to plan for it better.

This is a new strategy I have just begin using, and I already have seen the benefits of it.

Being overwhelmed doesn't have to be normal

As a follower of Christ, I don't just look to Jesus as my savior but also as my example. While Jesus certainly encountered overwhelming moments (like the night before he was crucified), he didn't live an overwhelmed life. This means we don't have to either.

Try out some of the strategies involved, and hopefully, we can experience less overwhelm together.