Do you ever get overwhelmed? Ever feel like you’ve lost control of your day and there’s absolutely nothing that you can do about it? Do you get frustrated with having to respond to things other people declare are urgent and find yourself with no time left for the things that are important to you?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then this episode is for you. Brooks and Mike talk about what overwhelm is as well as what contributes to it, and share a simple 4-step strategy to help you escape overwhelm once and for all. They share 5 quick tips for disconnecting from the moment and getting some space and control when everything goes wrong, and give you 5 tactical tips to help you systematically create space and escape overwhelm once and for all.

Thanks to Stamps.com for supporting The Productivity Show.

Cheat Sheet

How this topic came about from a Twitter question 1:49

What overwhelm feels like and why it's often self-imposed 6:50

How today's society creates a culture of emergency-scan modality 11:57

Resetting the expectations surrounding work/life balance 18:47

4 Steps to escape overwhelm 19:58

Why you need to learn how to say "No" 22:52

How email is a major contributing factor to overwhelm 30:25

Why rituals help you keep overwhelm at bay 35:26

Action item: identify one thing that you want to turn into a ritual or routine 39:11

What should you do when everything is going wrong right now 40:37

How meditation or taking a walk outside can help you feel like you are more in control of your life 44:52

Ways that famous authors and business owners deal with overwhelm 48:40

5 Things you can do to make sure you will systematically fight against overwhelm 51:43

Why you should reflect on your experience after you make it through an overwhelming situation 58:06

Links

The tweet that sparked this episode

Why Pursuing the Work-Life Balance Myth is Hurting Your Productivity (TPS139)

My Morning Routine: How Successful People Start Every Day Inspired

Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do

Calm

Headspace

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World

3 Simple Steps To Delegating Work The Right Way So You Don’t Have to Worry About It (TPS182)

Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives

How Journaling Can Make You 25% Happier (TPS154)

Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World

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