It’s one of those days where I have a lot going on and so much stuff I need to handle. My “to do” list has hit a growth spurt and it doesn’t seem as if it plans to stop growing anytime soon. I am sure you know how that is and totally can relate because you have also had those craazzzyyyy days.
For me, today will need to be all about being productive.
I need to finish my eBook so it can go out for editing, complete all the content for the rebranding of my blog (more about that later, but let’s just say it’s all changing), start thinking through an upcoming guest post, write an article for my own blog (you are reading the post now and hopefully somewhat enjoying it), and jump on a business call at 2PM.
And, that doesn’t really cover everything on my list.
I also have to take some “me” time (which is a must every single day), play legos with my daughter (we’re working on putting together a cool airport scene), take her to swim class, and of course hang out with the hubby (which tonight will mean “quality time” together watching the NBA playoffs because there is no way he is missing that game … it’s all good though because I am a sports fan myself and I don’t want to miss it either).
So, let’s just say I have a lot going on, but you know how that is. You have had those days yourself where you just have a lot going on. It’s cool … we always get through them.
When you have one of these days though, you have got to manage through it in the right way.
Be cool. Be calm. Be effective. Get it all done. And, most importantly feel great (while you are doing it all and also at the end of the day)
But, let’s be honest. Sometimes that can be challenging.
We get all caught up in the day and all the things we need to do. We jump from one thing to the next, moving as quickly as humanly possible. We get all wound up and can end up feeling overwhelmed by it all.
We are anything but cool or calm.
The whirlwind of the day can get a good grip on us and once it does, it will take some serious time to unwind and regain our great frame of mind.
It is one of the worse things to be overwhelmed and wound up. It just doesn’t do anything positive for us (even if we do somehow manage to get through everything on our “to do” list).
Maintaining a great and relaxed frame of mind is way more important than anything else … even how much you actually accomplish. You are the most productive, effective and produce the best results when you have a great mindset.
And, that’s why you’ve got to always prioritize your frame of mind over everything else.
5 Tips for Getting Through A Crazy Day (And Not Letting it Suck You In)
- Don’t let yourself even think of getting all wound up or feel overwhelmed. If you feel it coming on, STOP whatever you are doing and relax. (Once you are all wound up, it is very hard to unwind … so, don’t even let yourself get to that point).
- Put things into perspective and realize it is just work and you will eventually get it all done (hey, if you don’t get it done today, trust me … it will be there tomorrow)
- Unplug from the day from time to time. Take as many moments as you can and do something (even if it is only for 5 minutes at a time) that relaxes you. Allow your mind to calm down (don’t let yourself believe you don’t have the time).
- Don’t move on to the next thing on your list until you know for sure you have the right mindset and are ready to pour your positive energy into it.
- No false deadlines. If it doesn’t really have to get done today, don’t try to convince yourself it does. If you get to it great, if not, let it go.
Take control of your day … and most importantly your mindset.
Live Today Better than Yesterday.
Hi Sibyl!
Love that you are keeping some ‘me’ time on your list of priorities. My husband and I are planning the greatest summer ever. We’re actually planning it. So we can celebrate as we go. Rather than getting through a crazy summer (to borrow your brilliant post title) we want to enjoy the ride.
One of the goals I’ve set up is to work a four day work week. This will be the greatest summer ever! My dentist has worked Mon-Thurs for years! And I’ve always been jealous. The cool thing is, I will still ‘work’ on those ‘days off’, but only on the things that I think are too fun. Like working on my blog. Or designing the website for my husband’s book launch. Fun stuff.
But… I have permission to take the whole day off if I want. This is serious down time. Like you, I’ve got to have it. Now the trick will be to see if I can do the 4 day week for the rest of the year. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?
btw—you have some awesome tips. Like, don’t even THINK about getting all wound up. What a perfect mindset!
T
Hey, I think I’m first in line Sibyl, first in line to thank you for this very helpful article. There’s a very profound message here. Just as you say, it’s so much easier to slow down and relax a bit BEFORE we get turned into an anxious pretzel than after.
The peace at the core of our being is always whispering its love to us.
Great advice! These last two days have been crazy. Which is crazy in itself since these are the first two days of my retirement. What’s wrong with this picture!? I’m going to unplug from the day right now and get a snack.
Congrats on your retirement … You definitely owe it to yourself to unplug from the day and get a snack
I am sure it feels great to be retired 
Congrats again.
Yep,
Often it’s more to do with the “to do List”, excuse the pun, they can give you ‘the crazies’ at times. I have been guilty in the past of having so much stuff on “the list” that it becomes demoralising. (Re) focus on what really> has to be done & apportion your energy appropriately.Thanks for the tips Sibyl
be good to yourself
David
Hey David. Thanks for the comment and I agree the to do lists can give you the crazies at times
It is all about keeping things in perspective and realizing that there is nothing more important than how you feel and your mindset. Thanks for stopping by.
It’s tough sometimes for me to get over a crazy day.. I usually just go home and work out and sometimes relieves the stress. Other times I work like crazy on my side business and get pumped up about the possibility of not having a day job again.
Henway: I hear what you are saying and you are right that it can be tough to get through a crazy day. I think the key is to find things that work for you and allow you to keep your energy level positive. Sounds like you have a couple of really good things to rely on. Thanks for sharing them here and thanks for the comment.
Hey Sibyl
I think you’re spot on. There are many times when I feel overwhelmed by everything thatI have going on. I think a large part of that comes from my “I have to get it done today” attitude.
Im the type of person that once I start something I dont quit or move on to something else until I am completely done with it, which can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you manage it.
3 and 5 are definitely things I employ when this happens. I look at deadlines to determine if it really has to be completed byt he set date or I simply unplug for 10-15 minutes and go for a walk. I have found that exercising is sooooooooo soothing to my brain
and relaxes me like nothing else can, so that’s definitely what I would recommend people try out when they fee; stressed and need to unplug for half an hour or so.
Great post Sybil!
{PS: totally random but I just wanted to let you know you have a very pretty name!
}
Hector: Thanks so much for the comment and for stopping by. Exercise … that is a good one. Not sure why it didn’t come to mind … probably because I need to fall in love with exercise a little more if I am being honest
You are so right though. Exercise is definitely a way to go. And, thank you so much for the kind words about my name. That was so nice of you.
Hi Sibyl,
I can totally relate. These are very practical tips and I especially love the one about making false deadlines. I’m completely guilty of doing that (thinking it will help get things done more quickly). It only stresses me out, lol. I’ll be taking that piece of advice to heart.
Yeah…those false deadlines can really get you. Trust me … I have personal experience with that. I think it is important to always really put things into perspective and not go down that road where we are making things a bigger deal than they should be because of some false deadline we created. So glad that you will be taking that advice to heart
Hi Sibyl,
It is so easy to get swept up in a whirlwind when we have days like that, varely stop, let alone relax so I love that you have planned family time and me time too:)
For me it is important to focus on one task at a time, for even just 30 mins – I tend to jump from one to another, have 5 things open on my laptop, phone ringing and talking to my other half….and none of it gets done well! So I am really disciplined in timing 30 mins on a task and blindfolding myself to anything else….I enjoy things more, feel calmer and get more done, result!
On the flip side, if we didn’t have days like that the potential for boredom creeps in and that is a terrible feeling!
Kate: I think that is an important point you made about focusing on one thing at a time. I have noticed that when you are actually able to do that, it really does help you feel more productive and not nearly as frazzled. It helps you maintain great focus and productivity too. Thanks for sharing that here. Much appreciated.
May I offer a piece of advice?
Remember the 80/20 rule.
20 percent of all your actions will result in 80% of all your results.
I try to keep an eye on my to-do lists as often as possible to ween out what isn’t really, really important.
You should focus 100% of your time on the 20% of the tasks that produce the most long term results.
Once you have done that you can spend 100% of your time on the 20% of the 20% of the tasks, they will stand for 80% of the results of those tasks.
This way you keep your to-do list in check
Daniel: You can definitely suggest something and thanks for sharing your insights here. I had never really thought about the application of the 80/20 rule to this situation, but what you said makes perfect sense. Thanks for the recommendation and sharing your wisdom.
Sibyl, this is very wise advice.
Recently, I have been feeling stressed and have made the commitment to investigate how and why this happens. It is clear that when my mind is filled with all the things I have to do, that I’m not doing in the moment, then I feel stressed. When I truly focus on what is present, I’m not stressed. So I am working with this insight whenever I catch myself thinking about the future.
I can also unplug a little more – just to take a few breaths or a short walk.
Thanks so much for the reminders.
Gail: Thanks for sharing your real world example. I always feel those are really helpful. I know exactly what you are saying and have really tried to also make a commitment to being present and not allowing myself to be overwhelmed by my to do list or feel guilty for what I am not doing. I think this is definitely something we get better and better at. I think your idea to unplug a little more is a great idea. I am a big fan of unplugging as much as possible
Empowering tips, Sybil. It is important to remember in times of stress that other peoples priorities are not OUR priorities. When we put ourselves first we cannot be derailed by every nutshell and mosquito wing that falls on our tracks.
So true Rob. I do think we have to prioritize our own day and not just react and respond to whatever comes our way. That really is when we can feel the most overwhelmed. Great point and insight. Thanks for sharing it.
Hi Sibyl,
Great points that you listed here. It’s so easy to overwhelm our minds with things to do for ourselves and our blog. I can’t wait until I can hire employees to take some of the tasks off of my hands.
Hey Justin: It is so true that we can overwhelm ourselves. I really do think it helps when we keep things in perspective. When we can do that, we really can manage our way through just about any day.
Thanks so much for sharing this post. I think a lot of people get to have a bad day once in a while and for some, they do not know how to handle being in this kind of situation. Thank you for the tips that you have given. This is indeed very much of help and very inspiring.
Thanks so much for stopping by and I am so glad that you found the post inspiring and helpful. I do think it is important to have an approach for managing through those crazy days. Thanks for the comment. Much appreciated.
Sibyl,
For a long time I didn’t really understand how important is was to take time for yourself. I would just go full throttle as soon as I woke up until I was exhausted at night and feel asleep. Then one day due to a major sickness I was forced to stop doing and just focused on being. It was the best day I ever had. What was really odd is that the next day I was a lot more productive and focused. That is why this post connects with me so much. When things get crazy we have to take some time and focus on the reason why we do the things we do. Family gives me that needed perspective and peace. They allow me to unplug and get refueled. Great article!
Frank: Thanks so much for the comment and thank you for that story. I love what you said about being able to just focus on being for a day. I am sure that really did help you unplug and recharge. I also agree with you that family gives you so much perspective and peace. Thanks so much for the comment.
Loved this post Sibyl! I think we can all relate to the to-do list getting out of hand (or hitting a growth spurt – love that
). I used to craze my way through the day, scarfing down lunch in front of the computer (or missing it completely), hopping from one task to the other like some insane rabbit. And even though my mind somehow thought that this was a helpful strategy for dealing, as you’ve pointed out it couldn’t be more the opposite. I now take lots of breaks and check in frequently to see where my emotions are at so that I don’t let any negativity infect what I am doing.
Martina: I really do think that is the way to go and thanks for sharing the real world example. I like that great habit you have created of taking frequent breaks. I think that is such an amazing strategy and it probably helps you out in so many ways. Thanks so much for the comment.
Hi Sibyl,
it is great to have a self management sytem indeed, but there is one problem as when I am trying to “unplug from the day from time to time it is difficult to plugin back.
Regards. Arthur
Arthur: Thanks for the comment. It is so true that sometimes we can just feel so much better and relaxed when we unplug that it is difficult to jump back in. When this happens to me and there is still work to do, what I have noticed works is to start with something small, complete it and get the momentum going. Thanks again for the comment.
Great job Sibyl!
It’s always a great idea to be honest with yourself and realistic with your goals, that way, you avoid the unnecessary pressures of forced deadlines!
Keep up the great work!
Mike
Thanks Mike for the comment and kind words. I do agree with you that we really need those reality checks so that we don’t add unnecessary pressure for no reason. Thanks again for dropping by.
Hi Sibyl,
Simple, yet extremely powerful words, my friend! It is so true that before anything else on the (let’s face it) NEVER-ENDING list, the priority has got to be how you will approach that list. The attitude will determine a productive or a stressful day – it really is all about the perspective, or Alternaview. And keeping in mind all that you mention about staying cool and calm is much more important than crossing items off the list. As you said – they’ll be there tomorrow; better to keep your sanity and wits than stress over what you can just deal with on another day.
And kudos to you for always putting ME time as a daily priority – I definitely need to do some work in that department!
Wonderful job on this post Sibyl!
Tisha: Thanks for the kind words and stopping by. I love your comment and smiled when I ready what you said about it all being about perspective … or the alternaview
I 100% recommend taking that me time. There really is nothing better. Thanks so much again for the comment. Always great to hear your thoughts.
Sibyl,
I like tip #3 – unplug from time to time! Sometimes I just put on a sit com for a good laugh, or now that summer is here, I’ll go outside and weed the garden a little (I LOVE weeding the garden – go figure!)
Balance balance balance!
Lori
You love weeding the garden? Really? Please feel free to drop by my house any day and help me out
I do hear what you are saying though … when we can find a way to unplug and just calm our mind, it just feels great. Thanks Lori for the comment.
I truely love your article.
this is the most important thing in life-
Knowing how to handle time, how to work with ourselves,
how to live the right way, in order to be successful, happy & helpful for others.
Unity!
So true Martha. I love how you put it. It really is about being successful, happy and helpful. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. Much appreciated.
Hi Sibyl,
I can completely identify with a to-do-list going through a growth spurt. It is funny how one minute I will only have one or two things on the list to start and then a flurry of incoming projects will come in and my list will triple or quadruple in size. The key for me is to do the things that “have” to be done that day and reassure myself that everything else can be done another day. Not having false deadlines is another big one.
Lisa: I totally agree. You definitely have to prioritize and really only focus on what you truly need to get done for the day. I also am again false deadlines. Isn’t it funny how we can end up convincing ourselves we have to do something that we really don’t. Thanks for the comment and stopping by.
Hi Sibyl,
Ah, I am familiar with crazy days and massive to-do lists that threaten to bury you. But as you say, no matter how crazy the day is, we have to prioritize our frame of mind to prevent the day from sucking us in. Prioritizing also helps us to break things down so that we do not tackle everything at once and get overwhelmed. Of the 5 tips you have mentioned, tip 3 has been most useful for me. I often find that I run out of steam with too much to do and need to take short breaks to get my second wind. It does help to bring my productivity level back up after a short rest.
It also helps to find some time for meditation to cultivate a sense of inner calm. That way the day will be more manageable.
Thank you for showing us how to live today better than yesterday!
Irving the Vizier
Irving: Thanks for the comment. Many people have been mentioning that their best strategy is to take some time for themselves and consistent breaks. I think that really is the way to go. As you said, it just make everything more manageable. Thanks again for the comment.
I think the solution to this is in the title – it’s just one day. Too many people today have little or no perspective for me Sibyl making a huge drama out of a minor issue and instead of it merely being a hassle for today scaling it up into being a potential lifelong torment or concern. The modern mind is at frenzied fear level.Take each day as it comes and don’t invite any of this 24 hours problems into some of your future months and years. Being realistic first means getting real!
John: I think that is some great advice to take each day as it comes and not get caught up in the whirlwind. There are going to be those days that things just seem all over the place, but if we can just keep things in perspective, we really can manage anything that comes our way.
God, I just think I needed the advice. Had a tough day and have actually written a post on how mood swings in the day and how one can keep in control. God, telepathy?
Hey Jaky: Isn’t it funny how that always happens. It happens to me too. I somehow manage to come across the right thing or information at the right time. I am glad you stopped by and thanks for the comment.
Hi Sibyl,
Nice post! Unplugging really helps to calm us down. I also like to take a few minutes every few hours to visualize and focus on my vision. This helps me to get by as well.
Thanks for sharing my friend
Hey Dia: How have you been? It really is all about unplugging. I totally agree with you. Thanks so much for the comment and for stopping by.
Thanks Sibyl for a brief and helpful list. This is my first time on your blog–glad I came! I especially like your third suggestion–to unplug from the day from time to time. It’s so important to take these “mini vacations” and get a little re-charge going. Thanks for the reminder.
Hey Sean: I am so glad that you dropped by too. Thanks for checking out my blog and thanks for the kind words. There really is nothing better than a mini vacation is there. It just allows you to maintain the best mindset and make sure you are able to unwind. Thanks so much for coming by. I really appreciate it and hope you will come back again.
hello sibyl
how are you?
apologies for being late to the party, i was experiencing what you’ve portrayed in this post lol!!
did you get my response to your mail?
your tips are very helpful and i can relate with unplugging from the day from time to time; believe me it gives one a breather and allows one review work done.
it’s also important to put things into perspective and prioritize things according to their level of importance and a crucial one is creating time for ones family.
as for moving on to the next thing without having the right mindset this only gets one extremely worked up and in return leads to frustration.
thanks for sharing this.
take care and enjoy the rest of the day
Hey Ayo: No worries. I know you have been busy at work on LSM. I can’t wait to check it out by the way. I received your e-mail. Thanks for your help. I will be sending it your way shortly. Thanks so much for the comment and stopping by. Isn’t unplugging just the greatest. I am such a believer in just getting away and settling your mind. Thanks again for the comment and the help.
These tips are great Sibyl. I feel you about the deadlines…your list sounds very similar to mine..lol. Just like you said, believe it or not, when you slow things down a bit and enjoy each moment and organize things reasonably…stress doesn’t get built up and sometimes you get more accomplished than you would have if you were frazzled.
Kenya: It is so true. All you have to do is slow down and be realistic. When you put things into perspective, they are less likely to sneak up on you. Thanks so much for the comment and stopping by.
quite an important topic SIbyl
i have had many crazy days in the past month and i was in need of that post
thank you
Hi Sibyl
It has been awhile since, I’ve been away from reading amazing blogs like yours. I have a tendency to get A.D.D. sometimes, but what has worked for me is writing out a list of to-dos the night before. The reason I write it out the night before is because I want my subconscious mind to be at work on the hows as I sleep. The next day I can get started straight to the list! This helps me from staying focused, and not all over the place… Nicely done post!
Hey Baker: How have you been? It is so good to see you around again. I like that idea of getting your thoughts right and what you are going to do the night before. I am sure it also makes you feel a little less overwhelmed because you can see that you can manage and handle everything on your list. I am sure it also starts things off great in the morning. I like that idea. Thanks for sharing it.
Hi Sibyl,
Great list! I particularly like no false deadlines. Things will get done, they always do, and we don’t need to let it all overwhelm us. Thanks!
Hey Cathy: Thanks for the comment. I am also a fan of letting go of false deadlines. That was definitely something I used to do and now that I am free of them, everything is just so much better
Thanks again for the comment.
Thanks for the reminder Sibyl, I like your # 1 and # 3 suggestions. I find that just stopping and taking time to reconnect works the best for me. I do it frequently through my work days, just sitting back and breathing, feeling my body, letting the mental speed slow down. It’s like hitting the reset button and then I can proceed with my day in a more balanced manner.