How to take back control when you feel overwhelmed

Fact

I agree that we take what Life throws to us and make the best out of it, in all situations. We all face this daily. There are days when I feel I’m a Marvel superhero, I can take whatever is thrown at me, and made it into a positive or productive outcome. Then, there’s also that one day where I felt so overwhelmed with it that I felt like hiding in a cave and letting things sort out on their own.

We all want to be the best version of ourselves, daily and in any given situation. The truth is, we need to realize we are also human. There are days I am very annoyed at myself because I felt I was letting myself and the many that looked up to me, professionally or personally, down when I am unable to give my best. I’ve had my share of anxiety and panic attacks (mostly attributed to work and family matters), I even took it personally and it had wreck havoc on my health and personal life. I got depressed and helpless, unable to get out of that ‘rut’. I’ll share with you something which I believed successful people do in order to pick themselves up and take back control over these moments.

It’s nothing secretive or esoteric about it. In the midst of the crisis, we often forget this method because we are too preoccupied with the issue and become a blind spot. Here’s my checklist to put everything back, constructively.

The Checklist

Stop!

We need to stop completely. It can an hour’s break or take half the day off! Dwelling upon the issue may not be the best way to find a solution. In my design work, there are a few instances where I would just stop working, and give myself some me time.

Choose your battle(s)

You do have a choice. We always do. You choose how to react to the situation or what Life has thrown at you. The battles that are beyond you, don’t take it up. It’s OKAY. If the issue is not in your scope, then be professional and make it known that you need assistance to tackle the matter.

Compartmentalize and segmentize it

Dissect the issue into timelines and deliverables Put reminders on your to-do list related to projects, then inhale and exhale for a while. Garmin’s breathing exercises are the best! It has a haptic sensor that will guide you on your breathing. a 15 min breathing exercise will calm your nerves and bring your heart rate back to a relaxed pace. You may or may not proceed to resolve the issue(s) after the breathing exercise. I won’t go back to the issue immediately, I’d give time to myself so I can be in that ‘zone’ and then I’ll head back and deep dive to resolve the issues.

A gentle reminder to one-self

Being a near perfectionist, I used to shoulder so many responsibilities and make promises and it made my professional life miserable, compromised my mental health, and impacted my private life. It was from a wise old man whom I met while I was holidaying in Phuket Island that I’ve learned about CONTROL in one’s life. His words of wisdom:

‘Take what you are able to, and make use of what you have’