what to do when you feel like your life is a hot mess
Take a Deep Breath
Try to remember to take some deep breaths and catch yourself when you’re feeling overly emotion. I know it may not seem like it, but things won’t always feel like this.
Simplify
Very few of us can deal with chaos and stress and still be a productive human, its just not in our nature. If I’m feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it’s usually because my life needs to be simplified. This can range from going on a shopping freeze (returns and even unboxing things can add up!), saying no to all social obligations for a few weeks and spending more time with my fam/myself, recycling the same handful of dinners and meal planning instead of going out, or doing a massive Spring Cleaning session to rid clutter and organize. The last one takes time but I *always* feels 1000x better when I remove distractions and clear my space.
It also helps to write out ALL my tasks and ideas that are floating around in my head and then will start delegating/planning and crossing out things that aren’t essential, or cancel as needed. You can always add those things back into your schedule once you’ve taken care of shit.
Stop drinking
I said it. This one is HUGE for me when I feel like my life is a mess. You know I love champagne, wine and vodka more than most humans but let’s be real…drinking isn’t the most productive thing you can be doing and hangxiety is a real thing the next day, and no one wants to wake up and feel like the world hates them. Even if you’re not drunk dialing your ex or doing something major you’ll regret later, it can still lead to extra anxiety, shitty sleep, hangovers, poor food choices, money spent, and all things that make us feel less than ideal. So make sure to drink in moderation, and I always take Cheers supplement to help kick the crappy next day feeling.
Have go-to routines
Like I mentioned above, if I’m feeling all over the place, I stick to easy dinners with ingredients we always have on hand. Then I apply this thought to the rest of my life. Starting with my outfit, I’ll reach for something that I know works (usually these leggings and a sweater or a loungewear set if I can get away with it). I cut down my skincare routine to cleanser, toner , moisturizer, and eye serum – that’s it. If I’m feeling in a funk I’ll try to schedule in an activity that I find enjoyable (and definitely not stressful), whether that be a fun workout, doing some journaling, hanging with a friend, or just kicking back with my dog and watching a feel good-movie. Try to have some “comfort items” you can easily reach for and add into your routine.
Do Something For You
Which brings me to my next point, when life is a hot mess, it’s easy to throw your physical and mental well being out the window. Been there! Neglecting yourself is only going to add to the insanity though so do your life a favor and spend time on yourself. You’ll always know my life is in shambles when I’m posting inspirational quotes on my pinterest or IG because it’s one of the only ways I truly chill out LOL. A good bath can help too, but you just gotta find something that restores you. Believe me, you’ll get your life back in order much quicker if you can do something for you each day.
Consume less
Does anyone else feel like we’re constantly consuming content in some way? As a content creator, this is obviously part of my job but when I think about how much content I consume whether through TV, social media, podcasts, people talking (lol)… there are very few times of the day where I’m not getting fed information. When I’m feeling a breakdown coming, I have to cut it out for my own sanity. I’ll stick to relaxing music or throw on a good podcast and basically go free from consuming as much as possible. It’s insane how quickly you feel lighter without all that noise. It’s one of my favorite self-improvement tidbits I’ve implemented so far.
Delegate
Even if it costs money and even if it’s shit you can usually do on your own. When times are desperate, don’t be to stubborn to rely on others and all the amazing services we have access to. No judgements and you’ll definitely thank yourself later on!
Schedule / batch your day
Making a list of everything you need to get done helps, but unless you take action, the hot mess will remain. Look at your schedule and find pockets of day to address different situations. If you’re most productive in the morning, do the tasks you’ve been putting off – even if it’s just ONE a day. If you lag in the afternoon, don’t rely on yourself to workout or do something you know you’ll push off. Instead, schedule the brainless task like ordering groceries or calling someone back for then. Likewise, if you need to run errands or do something that involves getting ready, batch all of those tasks for one day / time slot. If you need to clean your house, don’t schedule anything for that day so that you can be disgusting for as long as it takes.
Setting a schedule not only helps me be efficient, but it takes the guessing game of ‘what should I do next?’ out of the equation. I use this dry-erase board calendar , this weekly planner and a cute notebook to schedule everything for myself and the blog.