10 Game-Changing Tactics to Overcome the Overwhelm Feeling and Seize Your Day

(And How I Finally Changed My Shoelaces)

Ever have one of those tasks that seems to get bigger the longer you put it off? Something small, something simple, yet somehow it becomes this massive mountain in your mind? It happens to me all the time with my menopause brain. The overwhelm feeling is real, and a frequent visitor.

Most recently, it was changing the laces on my shoes, the ones I love to wear to teach my rowing class. I know, it sounds ridiculous. It’s just a pair of shoelaces! 

Bear with me—there’s a lesson here that’s worth exploring.

The Overwhelming To-Do List

Like many of us, I live in a world of endless to-do lists. 

From the moment I wake up, it feels like I’m playing a never-ending game of catch-up, trying to squeeze every last bit of productivity out of the day (and night). 

Somewhere in the midst of all this rat racing recently, I kept telling myself, “I need to change these laces. These are my favorite running shoes and the laces are going to snap any day now.” 

Did I do it? Of course not. I had “more important” things to focus on.

Every morning, I’d glance at those worn-out laces just before teaching my rowing class and think, “I should really take care of that.” But I didn’t. 

The task seemed small, but with everything else going on, it never felt like the right time to stop and deal with it. And so, the laces stayed—frayed, fragile, and a constant reminder not only of something I just wasn’t getting done but of my general inadequacy.

The Shoelace Conundrum

It’s funny how our minds work, isn’t it? This tiny task—changing a pair of shoelaces—began to feel like a monumental chore. 

Every time I looked at those shoes, it was like they were mocking me, daring me to take time out of my day to do something about them.

But I just couldn’t bring myself to stop and focus on it. I had classes to teach, programs to run, and an ever-growing list of things that demanded my attention.

So much multitasking, so little time!

That’s the thing about multitasking: it tricks us into thinking we’re being more productive than we really are (“Just look at all those browser tabs I have open!”). 

In reality, though, we’re just spreading ourselves too thin and making it impossible to get even the little things done.

Monotasking vs. Multitasking: The Science

So let’s talk about multitasking for a minute. We’ve all been there—trying to juggle multiple tasks at once, thinking we’re getting more done. 

But the truth is, our brains aren’t wired for it. Studies have shown that multitasking can actually reduce productivity by up to 40 percent. 

Fact: When we try to focus on too many things at once, we end up doing none of them well.

Also Fact: When you focus on just one thing, you’re more efficient, more accurate, and you get it done faster.

Imagine that! All it took was a bit of focus, and suddenly that “monumental” task is off your list.

The Moment of Truth: Lacing the Shoes

So, after weeks—yes, weeks—of putting it off, I finally decided to just do it. 

I cleared my mind, blocked out the noise, and focused solely on lacing up those shoes. Right there in the middle of my kitchen after I finished class one day. 

And you know what? It took me less than five minutes. Both shoes, laced up and ready to go. The task that had grown so large in my head was, in reality, quick and easy. 

I couldn’t help but laugh at myself for making such a big deal out of something so small.

But here’s the thing: that small victory gave me a huge sense of accomplishment. It felt like I had cleared a mental hurdle, and that momentum carried me through the rest of the day. 

Sometimes, it really is the little things that make the biggest difference.

TRY THESE PRODUCTIVITY TIPS TO BEAT THE OVERWHELM FEELING: My 10-Step Process for Getting Unstuck  

1. Identify Your Priorities:

You have a ton of things you want or need to work on. But do they all have the same weight? I doubt it. Take a moment to define what TRULY matters to you right now. Whether it’s your health, relationships, or personal growth, knowing your priorities will help you focus on the tasks that align with them.

2. Break Down Big Tasks Into Manageable Bites (This one might be my favorite):

Feeling overwhelmed? Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps.  For example, instead of thinking, “I need to start working out,” start with “I will walk for 10 minutes today.” It’s easier to tackle one small thing at a time, and these small wins build unstoppable momentum.

3. Insist on Clear, Specific, Achievable Goals:

Establish clear, specific goals for yourself. Keep in mind, your big goal doesn’t need to be your immediate goal. Maybe it’s just one of the manageable steps you worked out above. 

4. Make Your Goals a Yes/No Proposition:

Wiggle room is the enemy of progress. When you set your goals, state them in a way that you can answer “yes” or “no” if asked whether you achieved them. For example, don’t just set a goal of “eating more protein.” Instead, say that you want to “eat 30 grams of protein at every meal.”

5. Create a Daily Focus List:

Start each day by writing down 1-3 tasks that are your top priorities, and when you’re done, you’re done. Instead of a long to-do list, this focus list helps you hone in on what truly matters.

6. Take Regular Breaks:

Don’t forget to take short breaks to recharge. Stepping away for a few minutes at least every hour can clear your mind and increase your productivity when you return.

7. Set Up Your Environment for Success

Clear your desk, lay out your workout clothes or prepare a healthy snack the night before. Creating an environment that supports your goals removes barriers and makes it easier to take action.

8. Start with the Hardest Task

As the foundational time management book Eat That Frog says, tackle the most challenging task first thing in the day. Once it’s done, everything else will feel easier, and you’ll have a momentum-building sense of accomplishment.

9. Link Actions to Outcomes

Keep a journal where you note how small actions, like taking a 5-minute walk or eating a healthy breakfast, positively impact your day. Linking your actions to positive outcomes reinforces the behavior and motivates you to continue.

10. Take a 5-Minute Action:

When all else fails, ask yourself what you could do for just 5 minutes. More often than not, you’ll find that once you start, it’s easier to keep going. This technique reduces the mental barrier to starting a task, making it easier to tackle things you’ve been putting off.

EXTRA CREDIT:

11. Celebrate Small Wins

Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Recognizing your achievements will keep you motivated and moving forward, plus it will train your brain to seek out those wins.

The Broader Lesson: Self-Care and Prioritization 

This experience got me thinking about the bigger picture—about how we often let small, manageable tasks pile up until they feel overwhelming. 

In the context of menopause and postmenopause, it’s easy to see how this happens. We have so many responsibilities, so many things demanding our attention, that we often push our own needs to the bottom of the list.

But just like changing those laces, taking a few minutes to focus on yourself can make all the difference. 

Whether it’s dedicating time to exercise, eating well, or even just taking a moment to breathe, these small acts of self-care can help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.

And let’s be honest: sometimes, all you need to get moving is the right gear. In good repair and ready to go when you are.

Just like lacing up my running shoes gave me the motivation to tackle the day, throwing on one of your favorite hoodies can be the simple step you need to feel ready to head outside for that run or power walk.

The Metaphor: Lacing Your Life Together

If finally paying attention to lacing my shoes taught me anything, it’s that sometimes we need to slow down, block out the noise, and focus on one task at a time. 

In the hustle and bustle of life, especially during and after menopause, it’s easy to feel like we’re constantly playing catch-up. 

But by dedicating time to the things that matter—whether it’s your health, your fitness, or even just changing a pair of shoelaces—you can start to lace your life together in a way that feels manageable and fulfilling.

Want Help to Do the “Lacing”?

If you’ve been putting off making time for yourself, consider this your nudge to take that first step. 

Whether it’s finally getting back to a fitness routine, prioritizing your nutrition, or simply taking time to breathe, the key is to start small and build from there.

And if you’re looking for support, guidance, and accountability, I invite you to join the waitlist for my program for women in menopause and beyond, Ready, Set, Soar. 

Together, we’ll work on lacing your life together in a way that feels sustainable and empowering. After all, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about making progress, one step at a time.

More on What to Do When That Overwhelm Feeling Sneaks In

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