When an extra hour isn't enough

"I'm stressing out Busy Girls. I know I'm supposed to be a strong independent woman who can take on the world & manage everything that comes my way but to be honest, this week, I've had it. I'm so over worked & panicky that I feel like I'm drowning... can you help me out?" Love Eva (yes, me, THE Busy Girl!)

Dear Eva (who is our blogger by the way, girls!)

Thank you for sharing your cry for help this morning! I can help, but first I need you to do something for me...

Sit back. Unfold your legs, drop your shoulders & let out a big fat sigh...

Ok, let's begin.

You're suffering from overwhelm hon. Basically, your conscious mind has got hold of your thoughts & emotions & is making you feel like you have to actively manage & remember all your tasks constantly. What then happens is your unconcious mind realises how stressed you are & tries to preserve your sanity, so virtually switches off. It shouts at you 'I can't cope!' hence, you feel panicky & tense & unproductive.

Sometimes feel you're so busy you end up jeopardising yourself further by doing nothing useful, even though you don't have time to waste? Yes? That's overload for you.

Ok, so enough of how bad it is... what you want to know is how to get out of it. So, what should you be doing?

1. Get unstuck

Spent too long staring at the screen of your computer in a blind panic trying to motivate yourself to start the mountain of work in front of you? Staring at that pile of clothes on the floor that need washing, but can't bring yourself to do it? If so, Stop. Turn the computer off, get your trainers on & go for a short walk. Changing environments & engaging in a little activity will trigger a positive mental-shift - you'll feel much better when you get home.

2. Record it

If your mind is spinning & you have all your clearer thoughts when you're on the go (& nowhere near a pen or paper) simply invest in a dictaphone. Take it everywhere with you & when you feel the urge to make a mental list, simply say it into the dictaphone. You'll be amazed at how solutions, not problems, start to flow.

3. Have a laugh

Remember that episode of Only Fools & Horses where Delboy & Rodney dress up as Batman & Robin? What about Duncan from Blue in that yellow lycra ice skating outfit? When things are looking grim, laugher is one of the best ways to shake yourself into a more positive mood. So grab that old Friends DVD & have a giggle. Half an hour of giggling will do far more good than half an hour of fretting.

4. Have one list & limit yourself

If you're a big fan of lists - I know I am - make sure you're not becoming a victim of your own perfectionism. A list is there to brain dump & give you a brief reminder of the big things that need doing - not to make you feel guilty. If you must have a list, limit yourself to only 5 main tasks & start them straight away. You'll feel great for finally getting to the bottom of them all so quickly & will complete less significant tasks without giving them too much weight in the first place.

More tips on handling overwhelm next week, Eva. I hope that these idea work for you. In the meantime, always come for help (you too Busy Girls! helpmeout@busygirlsguide.co.uk) we're here to make life a little easier...

Best wishes, Lucy x

Lucy O'Neill
Lifestyle & Business Coach
The Busy Girls Guide
Manchester & Cheshire