Overwhelmed. That may be how you are feeling since we’ve talked for nearly 31 days about blending all the different areas of your life. Your life may even have a whole lot more categories than just Work, School and Home.
I think we have all been there at one time or another, some of us more often than others. The feeling where you are drowning and putting out fires all at the same time. Know what I mean?
Next time you wake up and feel like you don’t know where to begin, go through this checklist:
1. Have I spent time with my Father?
“Tomorrow I plan to work, work, from early until late. In fact I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.”
—Martin Luther
We often mistakenly think we don’t have time to pray or read the Word, but the opposite is so true. The busier our days, the more we need Him.
2. Have I gotten enough rest?
“I can operate on very little sleep.” You’ve heard someone say this, maybe a mom like you. Just because we can zoom from one thing to another all day long without falling over from exhaustion, does not necessarily mean we are operating well. If you feel stressed or like you can’t handle all you need to handle today, think about how much sleep you have gotten in the last few days. It makes a world of difference!
3. Am I drinking enough water?
Yes, you know that your body is made of mostly water. Yes, you know that dehydration makes you feel fatigued. So fill up that glass or water bottle and start sipping. The experts tell us that we need half our body weight in ounces every day. And no, sugary drinks don’t count!
4. Am I eating well?
I am far from a perfect diet, but I find that I am more easily overwhelmed when my body is starving for nutrition. If I’ve had too much fast food, sugar, starches or unhealthy fats, my emotional state suffers as well as my physical state.
5. Am I doing work that isn’t mine to do?
Sometimes we are not getting everything done because we are literally doing too much. There are only so many hours in a week to accomplish it all. I’m not suggesting that you get rid of your children or quit cooking dinner. However, look at all the “extra” things you’re doing. Even doing too many “good things” may be cheating someone out of the calling God has for them while causing you to do poorly in the things to which He has called you.
6. Am I procrastinating?
This is honestly a big one for me. I’ve been known to walk around in my exercise clothes for hours “on my way to the treadmill.” Or to piddle around answering texts instead of my children. If things aren’t getting done, I often can point to distractions that are causing me to put off the most important things.
7. Are my expectations realistic?
When you feel like you aren’t getting everything done, take a good hard look at just what isn’t getting done. Are you not getting the dishes washed or has it just been awhile since you washed down walls? Are you skipping important math lessons or have you just missed a few nature walks? Are the children scrounging for clean clothes or are you just behind a bit in mending? Make sure you are not holding yourself to an impossible, perfectionistic standard.
8. Have I spoken to my husband about it?
If you are married, your husband is the other member of your team. He also is the person who knows you better than anyone else. When I had to make a decision about quitting a work-at-home venture a few months back, I talked it over with him and he was able to bring clarity to the situation. He can also be more objective about deciding what is essential and which of my pursuits are actually detrimental to my first priorities.
There you have it. A few questions to help you discover how to get back to a peaceful state of mind. Happy Blending!