Have you ever had one of those weeks where you felt like you had everything planned, only for life to throw you off track? Or maybe you stare at your to-do list, feeling so overwhelmed that you don’t even know where to begin.

That was me today.

I started the week with a plan, but things didn’t go as expected. We spent extra time in the kitchen with the kids and a rough homeschooling Monday left us behind for the week. On top of that, I wasn’t feeling great and hadn’t been sleeping well. I say I need 7 hours of sleep each night to function. If it’s a little less than8 hours a  few nights, I’m still good. 

I Recognized the Need to Pause

I could have pushed through, but I knew it wouldn’t help. Instead, I stopped to think about what I really needed.

Usually, when I’m overwhelmed, I take a walk to clear my head and talk to God. Sometimes, I’ll sit with a cup of tea or coffee and spend quiet time listening to Him. But today was different. I realized what I truly needed was a nap.

Let me tell you, I rarely nap. But I could barely keep my eyes open, and I knew I wouldn’t get anything done if I didn’t rest. So, I gave myself permission to take a 15-20 minute power nap.

When I woke up, I felt so much better. My energy was renewed and the overwhelm I had been feeling wasn’t as heavy. I was able to look at my list with fresh eyes, prioritize my tasks and get to work. Let me tell I was so productive after that nap.

Learning to Prioritize Self-Care

As the holidays approach, we all tend to push ourselves a little harder. Long to-do lists, Holiday commitments, and extra responsibilities can make the season feel more overwhelming than joyful.

But here’s the truth: sometimes, we just need to step back and take care of ourselves. When you’re tired, overwhelmed or simply out of sorts, it’s okay to pause and ask, “What do I need right now?”

When You’re Overwhelmed: 3 Steps to Take

1. Stop and Breathe
   Take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to pause. Ground yourself in the moment instead of focusing on the mountain of tasks ahead.
2. Check In With Yourself
   Ask yourself how you’re feeling. Are you tired? Anxious? Overwhelmed? Instead of pushing through, identify what might help you feel better.
3. Do What You Need Most
   Whether it’s a walk to clear your head, a quiet moment of prayer, or a quick nap, listen to your body and mind. Taking care of yourself isn’t a waste of time—it’s the key to being productive later.

Five Weekly Habits That Keep Overwhelm at Bay

Here are five things I do weekly to stay ahead and reduce stress:

1. Meal Plan
   Knowing what’s for breakfast, lunch and dinner takes the guesswork out of mealtime.
2. Meal Prep
   Prepping ingredients or entire meals in advance makes dinnertime easier, especially on busy days.
3. Nightly Kitchen Reset
   Spending 10-15 minutes cleaning the kitchen each night helps us start the next day on the right foot.
4. Morning Routine
   My mornings include quiet time with God, a workout and getting ready for the day. This routine sets a peaceful tone.
5. Plan the Week With Time Blocking
   Using time blocks helps me map out my days and focus on what’s most important without feeling overwhelmed. (this is something I help moms with)

Final Thoughts

We all have long to-do lists, especially during the holidays. But when overwhelm creeps in, the best thing you can do is take a moment to pause, reflect and take care of yourself.

Remember, taking time to recharge doesn’t mean you’re falling behind—it means you’re preparing yourself to move forward with clarity and purpose.

What’s one thing you can do today to feel more grounded? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

Love and Support,