In this episode of "The Make Room Show," host Jennifer Ford Berry discusses overcoming feelings of overwhelm in life. She shares personal experiences and insights from her own life, highlighting the importance of having tools and strategies to cope with overwhelm. Jennifer acknowledges that overwhelm is a common struggle, particularly among women, and emphasizes the need to address it rather than avoid it. She recounts a recent period of overwhelm in her own life and explains how she managed to overcome it.

Jennifer introduces the concept of a "reset day," which she describes as a conscious effort to refocus and get life back on track. She talks about her own reset day experience and provides practical steps for listeners to follow. She emphasizes the importance of taking time to rest and recharge, as well as decluttering physical and mental spaces. Jennifer shares her personal approach to reset days, which includes picking up clutter, doing household chores, and making a fresh to-do list. She also discusses the benefits of task management tools and encourages listeners to prioritize self-care during overwhelming periods.

This episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice for those struggling with overwhelm in their lives. It provides practical strategies for regaining control and finding balance amidst chaotic times. Whether you're a woman juggling multiple responsibilities or anyone feeling overwhelmed, this episode offers guidance and support. Tune in to learn how to overcome overwhelm and achieve a sense of calm and productivity in your life.

Conquering Overwhelm: Strategies for Productivity and Balance

Overwhelm—it’s a feeling most of us know too well. Life piles up fast, and suddenly, you don’t know where to start. Women, in particular, often find themselves juggling endless responsibilities at home, at work, and beyond, leaving little room to breathe. But here’s the truth: if you let overwhelm take over, it can leave you feeling stuck and unmotivated. The good news? There are simple, actionable steps you can take to regain control and find balance.

Let’s talk about what overwhelm looks like, how to handle it, and how a "reset day" might just be your secret weapon.

What Does Overwhelm Look Like?

Overwhelm doesn’t announce itself with a warning. One day, your to-do list feels manageable, and the next, your plate is overflowing. It might look like:

• Constantly feeling behind, no matter how much you do.
• Avoiding tasks entirely because you don’t know where to start.
• A sense of heaviness or lack of joy as you go through your days.

Sound familiar? Overwhelm often sneaks up when you’re already running on empty. Addressing it means recognizing the signs early and taking proactive steps to reset.

Jennifer’s Experience with Overwhelm

Even productivity experts like Jennifer Ford Berry aren’t immune to overwhelm. Recently, she found herself in a period where everything seemed to hit at once. Instead of ignoring the feeling or letting it snowball, she made the conscious decision to reset. Her process is one we can all learn from: it’s about pausing, assessing the situation, and taking small, meaningful actions to reclaim peace and productivity.

The Power of a Reset Day

What’s a reset day? Think of it as hitting the pause button on the chaos of life. It’s a chance to clear your head, tidy up your environment, and start fresh. Here’s how you can create your own reset day:

Step 1: Take Care of Physical Spaces

Clutter can make your mental overwhelm worse. Start by picking up around your home or workspace. Focus on small wins—clearing a desk, organizing a drawer, or tidying up common areas.

Step 2: Handle Basic Chores

Address lingering tasks like laundry, dishes, or paying overdue bills. These are the things that often weigh on the back of your mind without you realizing it.

Step 3: Make a Fresh To-Do List

Write down everything you want to address moving forward, but don’t stop there. Prioritize your tasks into categories like "urgent," "important," and "nice to do." This helps you focus on what really matters.

Step 4: Schedule Rest and Recharge

Overwhelm often comes from doing too much without giving yourself time to rest. Use part of your reset day to do something restorative, whether that’s taking a nap, going for a walk, or practicing mindfulness.

Self-Check: What Does Your Body and Spirit Need?

Sometimes, fixing overwhelm isn’t about doing—it’s about listening. When was the last time you paused to ask yourself what you truly need? Maybe it’s a break, better sleep, or just some quiet time. Taking even a few minutes to check in with yourself can help you regain clarity and perspective.

What to Do If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed Right Now

If you’re reading this and nodding along because you feel overwhelmed today, here’s your quick-start guide:

1. Pause for 5 minutes. Step away from the chaos and take a few deep breaths.
2. Write down your top three priorities. Not everything needs to be tackled today. Start small.
3. Declutter one thing. It could be your kitchen counter, your email inbox, or your purse. You’ll be surprised how much better you feel.
4. Hydrate and move. Sometimes, basic things like drinking water or taking a short walk can make a huge difference in how you feel.

The key is to focus on progress, not perfection.

Start Making Room for Balance

Overcoming overwhelm isn’t about doing more—it’s about simplifying and focusing on what truly matters. By incorporating reset days into your routine and staying tuned into what your body and mind need, you can navigate life’s challenges with more ease. Remember, it’s okay to slow down. In fact, sometimes slowing down is exactly what you need to move forward.

If you’re struggling with overwhelm, you’re not alone, and there’s always room to find balance.

For more tips and inspiration, follow Jennifer Ford Berry on Instagram, Facebook, or visit her website.