by Katie Carlson
There are times when your schedule is full, the glass is half empty, and all you want to do is take a nap. These are the exact moments when it’s essential to step back and reevaluate your current plan of attack and approach to your daily life.
If you overdo it regularly, your energy and motivation will likely decrease, and you might experience a dip in your mood. Now is the perfect opportunity to stop and check in with yourself. If you notice you’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately, here are some tips for a quick reset.
Shift Your Attention with a Movement Break
It’s always a good idea to move your body, especially when you’ve been sitting for an extended period or when you are feeling anxious. One way to shift your attention and boost your energy levels is to take a brief movement break. This can include getting outside for a stroll around the block or stretching and walking around the room. It gets the blood flowing and allows you to reset. It can be especially helpful if you find yourself ruminating on the same thoughts or overthinking a particular topic.
Nourish Your Body
Another tip to help you quickly reset if you are feeling overwhelmed is to nourish your body. Often, you feel a certain way because you are tired, hungry, thirsty, or all three. Make sure that you aren’t skipping meals or choosing unhealthy options because you are busy or always on the go. Plan and make sure that you nourish your mind and body with the right foods. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which can magnify any stress or fatigue you are experiencing.
Reduce Mental Clutter
A quick, simple way to reduce mental clutter is to perform a grounding exercise. Practice mindfulness by getting out in nature or doing some box breathing. It’s also helpful to declutter your environment to gain mental clarity. Tidy up your immediate surroundings as well as your desktop screen and files. You may not realize it, but being on your phone all the time can cause racing thoughts and clutter your mind. It’s a good practice to take breaks from your devices throughout the day and limit screen time as best as you can to reduce mental fatigue.
Have a Reasonable Task List and Prioritize
Thrive and feel less overwhelmed by writing down what needs to get done and prioritizing your tasks. This will get whatever is floating around in your head down on paper and allow you to clearly see what needs to be addressed now and what can wait. Free up mental space by journaling about what’s overwhelming you and making a manageable list of daily to-dos. Being able to prioritize what’s most important will keep you on track and instantly reduce stress and anxiety. As you get to work and tackle your responsibilities, eliminate distractions and focus on one task at a time.
This article was originally published in the August 2026 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.
