Wouldn’t it be nice if each day unfolded just as we’d planned? We could sail serenely from task to task, finishing each one in turn before facing the next…
That’s not how life works, is it?
Insomnia, misplaced keys, bad hair, traffic jams, spilled coffee, long check-out lines, weather delays … Life is filled with small frustrations and disrupted plans.
Some days we manage to cope when things go awry. Some days we don’t.
Some days the problems pile up, the stress mounts, and we find ourselves at the end of our ropes, physically, mentally, emotionally.
The next time you find yourself frazzled, panicky, or exhausted, these strategies can help you make it through the day.
9 Strategies to cope with frayed and frazzled feelings.
- Acknowledge that you are not operating at optimum capacity. When I am frazzled my brain feels fuzzy. I don’t focus well or think creatively. The day will go better when I give myself permission to be off my best game.
- Look for ways to simplify your day. Order out. Use paper plates. Skip all optional chores. Every little bit of slack helps reduce your stress.
- Burn it off. On some frazzled days I feel worn out. Other times I feel jumpy, like I’ve consumed too much caffeine. On those days, doing something to burn off energy helps me feel calmer and enables me to focus. Take a walk, do a spot of cleaning, hit the gym. A bout of activity might help you work more efficiently.
- Face the worst head-on. Ask yourself what’s the worst that can happen? (And is it really as horrible as your emotions are telling you?) Often we allow ourselves to get stressed over things that aren’t all that dire. Reframing the situation can shrink mountains to molehills.
- Prescribe a six-second hug. Quick hugs are nice, but there is something particularly restorative about melting into an embrace for several heartbeats. So find a loved one or cooperative pet and get some hug therapy.
- Be vigilant about time-wasters. I get it, you feel lousy and there’s something stressing you out. The urge to escape into mindless activities is stronger than ever, but that will only make things worse! Stay on task, even if the task is teeny. Set a doable goal and reward yourself with a break when you are finished. (see next point)
- Take an intentional break. Instead of simply vegging out, choose so spend your break doing something restorative. Get outside and absorb sunlight and fresh air. Take a humor break and lift your spirits with funny videos or memes. Take a 15-minute nap. Meditate. Whatever makes sense to give your overworked brain a rest and give your emotions a boost.
- Drink water. It sounds too simple to make a difference, but dehydration can increase those fidgety feelings. Getting enough non-caffeinated liquids in your system can boost your mood more than you think.
- End the day with some TLC. It’s been a rough day. You need to build up your reserves, restore your equilibrium, and get some sleep. Instead of getting down on yourself, practice wise self-care.
Stressful days happen. We can’t avoid them, but we can face them with intention and make the best of the situation. May you find moments of victory the next time you feel that frazzled feeling creeping into your day.
Loved these! I often describe myself like “too much butter, spread over too little bread” from Lord of the Rings.
It just makes so much sense to me. That idea of spreading yourself too far.
I loved your thoughts of simplifying. Often I will minimize what I have to do by deciding some things can be ‘tomorrow’s problem’ but also I have had to forgive myself for my limitations. Sometimes I can’t do everything and it’s taken me a while to be ok with that!
Accepting our limitation can be so very hard! But it is also so freeing.
Hi Lisa, These are great ideas! Thank you, and for acknowledging that self-care is a GOOD thing!
Unfortunately, most of us need frequent reminders of that truth. Have a wonderful Christmas.