Life is hard. That may sound like an over-simplified sentence or a little cliché, but it’s true—life is hard. Dealing with everyday and personal issues is never easy, but some days it just feels more overwhelming than others. In addition, the pandemic also has caused a lot of conflict, sadness, and strife for many people. However, some everyday things could be affecting your life in a negative way that most people don’t realize. Here are five reasons why you’re feeling overwhelmed and how to address the problem.
1. The Never-Ending To-Do List
If you’re one of those people who starts every day with a to-do list, it could be causing some undue stress. Sometimes, it can feel like all the things that haven’t been done have piled up and become overwhelming. However, there’s no need to have a messy piece of paper. Try using an online notepad instead to keep a long to-do list organized.
Also, it’s essential to realize that life’s to-do list will never be finished—and that’s totally fine! The key to feeling in control is taking it one step at a time and focusing on what’s happening in the moment rather than about all the things that haven’t been accomplished. It’s crucial to accept credit for the things that have been accomplished.
2. Constant Cell Phone Use
Ever lost your cell phone for a day or two? It may have caused feelings of panic at first, but after some time goes by, it feels…freeing. One way to combat this cell phone overload is to turn off social media notifications and email so it’s necessary to log into the actual app itself to see them. Having a cell phone that’s constantly vibrating and going off is demanding a lot of free time, energy, and your thoughts, too.
3. Too Much Social Media
Social media goes hand in hand with being on the cellphone way too much. This method of “Keeping up with the Joneses” is not only unhealthy, but it can also provoke feelings of not being good enough or not doing enough. Social media can be a bad influence on self-esteem. Try cutting it down to three days a week instead of every single day, and set a time limit for browsing on Facebook or Instagram.
4. Neglecting Self-Care
Self-care is incredibly important to keeping psychologically happy. Take the time to do something for yourself, whether it’s an art class, a run, a long luxurious shower, or baking some muffins. Schedule personal time for at least 15 minutes a day, every day, if not longer.
5. Trying to be “Perfect”
Trying to achieve perfection in all areas of life is not only impossible, but it’s also exhausting. Constantly trying to outdo yourself means never feeling happy with life. Sometimes, “good enough” is precisely what it sounds like. Remember, it’s progress, not perfection.
6. Learn How to Say No
Saying “no” can be incredibly freeing. Whether you’re a people pleaser, afraid of missing out, or simply don’t want to cause conflict, saying yes all the time means having no boundaries. Also, saying yes to everything inevitably means putting yourself by the wayside, which is never healthy. Saying no means putting yourself first—something that’s incredibly important to staying psychologically and mentally fit.
Keep Yourself from Becoming Overwhelmed
Though life can be extremely tough, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to make mistakes and take time to be selfish. Don’t let a cell phone and social media turn into a black hole that makes you feel like you’re not good enough. Take the time to do something for yourself every single day, whether it’s going for a walk, meditating, or taking a bubble bath. Don’t get too hung up on your to-do list, and learn how to say no. Using these six tips to help you overcome those hardships in life means staying happy and healthy.
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