I don’t know about you, but some weeks it feels like everything lands at once. Work deadlines, appointments, family schedules, unexpected emails — all stacking up until your brain feels like it might just short-circuit.
Even though organization is such a big part of what I do, I have those moments too. (Honestly, probably more often than I’d like to admit.)
This week, for example, I’ve been feeling that familiar tug of overwhelm creeping in. One of my clients has an upcoming virtual summit, which means my workload has been heavier than usual, and on top of that, I have a family wedding on Friday, which means taking a half day off and knowing I’ll lose a big chunk of work time.
Add in my daughter’s dance schedule (she’s in the studio five times a week) and my son’s part-time job that requires extra driving back and forth, and suddenly, the evenings disappear before I even realize it.
Somewhere in there, I’m also trying to find a little time for myself, which often feels like the first thing to get squeezed out when life gets busy.
It’s one of those weeks where everything feels important, but there simply aren’t enough hours in the day.
At times, I caught myself staring at my computer screen, completely frozen, not knowing where to start.
Here’s what helped me get out of that spiral and back to a calmer, more grounded place.
1. Step away before you crash
When I notice that I’m not thinking clearly, that’s my cue to pause. Sometimes that means taking the dog for a walk, making tea, or just sitting quietly for ten minutes. It’s not about giving up, it’s about giving your nervous system a chance to settle.
When we’re overwhelmed, our bodies slip into “go-go-go” mode, and that constant tension makes it nearly impossible to think clearly or make decisions.
A short break, a few deep breaths, or even a quick stretch can shift your body out of that stress response and help you return with a calmer, clearer mindset.
Overwhelm often disguises itself as a productivity problem when really, it’s an energy problem.
2. Brain-dump everything swirling in your head
Once I’ve had a little breathing room, I grab a notebook and write down everything — from “finalize summit graphics” to “pack for the wedding.”
Even though I use CRMs and project management tools to track client tasks, there’s something about having a visual right in front of me that helps my brain slow down. Seeing everything in one place — not hidden behind tabs or reminders — makes it easier to process what’s actually there.
Getting it out of your head and onto paper helps you see the full picture, instead of letting it spin around in a blur. The goal isn’t to organize it yet – just unload it.
3. Choose the next right thing
Not everything on that list deserves your attention right now. I look at my brain dump and ask:
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What’s urgent?
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What actually matters today?
Then I pick one thing — just one — and do that before worrying about the rest.
Momentum builds clarity, and clarity makes things feel smaller.
4. Simplify your expectations
When you’re overwhelmed, you can’t operate at your usual pace — and that’s okay. Give yourself permission to adjust.
Instead of aiming to “get everything done,” focus on feeling a bit more in control by the end of the day.
That might mean a clean workspace, one major task completed, or simply ending the day with a calmer mind.
5. Reset your space and your energy
Once the worst of the fog lifts, I like to tidy my desk, close out the tabs I’m not using, and clear away anything in my workspace that’s distracting. Sometimes I’ll step outside or hop on my treadmill for a few minutes or even put on some music while I organize a small corner of my workspace.
It’s a simple way to signal to my brain that the chaos has passed and I’m back in control. Those small resets — whether it’s a clean workspace, a few deep breaths, or some quiet time — can make a big difference in how grounded you feel.
Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing; it just means you’re human. And while organization can’t always prevent overwhelm, it can help you find your way out of it faster.
If you could use a little support creating those systems and routines that bring calm to your days, check out my Next Level Organized Toolkit — it’s filled with simple tools to help you stay on track even when life gets busy.
