I have so much to do that I don't know where to start, how can I get more organized with these tasks??

Question

I am so stressed out from my personal and work life, and on top of it added stress comes from being "stuck" as a result of having so much to do that I don't know where and how to get started.

I have a lot of books to read with a deadline. I love to read, and purchased the books a while back, but I feel so overwhelmed, I don't know which one to start with and end up not reading.

I also have things to do like make 2 returns to 2 different stores, have some car and home maintenance work done, even fold my clothes which are piling up because I feel too overwhelmed to do anything.

I've never been this stuck before, I am a neat and productive person but for the past few weeks it's like I've frozen up and don't know what to do first and end up getting nothing done. Help!

Answer 1

First of all, you need to breathe. Close your eyes and breathe deeply in and out for 30 seconds. We all feel overwhelmed at times, but it's important not to let the stress make you go crazy.

You're spending too much of your valuable time worrying about feeling stuck instead of getting anything accomplished. Try to make a "To Do" list for yourself so that you have everything you need to do in front of you instead of being jumbled around in your head. Every time you are able to cross something off this list you will feel much better (and lighter).

Dedicate a weekend morning to folding clothes; better yet take the extra couple minutes a day to fold them after each wash so that they never pile up. Find the time to do store runs when you already have some errands to make (grocery store, etc).

About the books, I'd suggest making another list and putting the titles in order as to what you would like to read first. Instead of watching TV or going on the internet in your leisure time, sit down with a book and start reading. You'll be surprised at how quickly you can finish a book without other distractions slowing you down.

Please take my advice, and you will feel a lot better. Making lists in order to keep yourself organized is wonderful (I made one for myself this morning). Also like I mentioned above, any time you start to feel stressed, take a few moments to breathe deeply and clear your mind.

Hope to have helped! Best wishes.  

Answer 2

you need a vacation. If your work has free days, which it should, take a few off, record a "not home" msg on your answering machine, say bye bye to your friends, buy some junk food, and sit on the floor in your home for a few days reading, watching tv, whatever you like to do. I know it sounds stupid, but my brother was in the same fix your in, PLUS studying for a graduate degree, and thats what he did.

Good Luck!