Do This to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

Benjamin Franklin

When life gets busy and overwhelming, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos. To regain control, you need to take a few moments to plan your week. It is incredible what a few minutes of preparation and organization can do to ensure you’re staying on top of your tasks while also taking care of your own health and well-being.

Cal Newport, the author of Deep Work, takes time on Monday mornings to plan his week in advance and sends himself an email with this plan. The plan’s structure varies depending on the challenges of the upcoming week, but the most crucial factor is that he always decides what he will do beforehand. While planning requires time, Newport says that the time he invests returns significant value by helping him prioritize and increase his work productivity. You can see a sample of his planning here. 

The impact of spending some time planning your week should not be underestimated. It can help you stay organized and productive while giving you a better handle on your overall well-being. Even taking a few minutes to map out a general plan for your week can help you to feel more in control of your life and make sure that you’re prioritizing your health and happiness.

Will Planning Solve Everything?

Look. If you feel extremely overwhelmed, I’m not saying planning your week will solve everything. You may need to do several things, including making sure you’re getting enough sleep, delegating tasks, practicing mindfulness, and seeking help from others. But here are four reasons I believe planning your week is the first step in pulling yourself out of the deep, dark ocean of overwhelm you find yourself in.

4 Reasons to Plan Your Week

Here are some tips on why you should take time to plan your week:

1. Get organized. Planning your week helps you to avoid feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list. You can break down your tasks into smaller, achievable goals and prioritize the most important ones. This will help you stay on track and ensure you’re completing what needs to be done.

2. Feel productive. Having a plan for the week can help you to feel more productive. You’ll be able to see what you’ve accomplished and what still needs to be done, giving you a sense of accomplishment that will keep you motivated.

3. Make time for yourself. Planning your week allows you to budget your time and ensure that you’re taking care of yourself. Even if it’s just a few minutes a day, make sure you’re carving out time for yourself to relax and recharge.

4. Increase your focus. Planning your week can help you to stay on task and eliminate distractions. Having a clear plan for the week will make you less likely to get sidetracked and more likely to stay focused on what needs to be done.

Planning your week can help you stay organized and productive and prioritize your health and well-being. It may seem like a chore at first, but taking the time to plan your week can help to make you more efficient and give you a better handle on your life.