When 'Handling It All' Feels Impossible: A Guide to Finding Your Footing
That feeling of being stretched thin, like you’re pulled in a dozen different directions at once. You try to take a deep breath, but the buzzing notifications remind you there’s no pause button. Your lunch break vanishes under back-to-back meetings. Just as you’re about to leave work, your phone rings, pulling you back to another unfinished task.
If this sounds familiar, you’re the one who keeps things running, the person everyone counts on. But lately, it feels like even you are running low. Consider this a gentle reminder that you’re not alone, and you don’t have to keep pushing forward without support.
The High Cost of Constant Overdrive
For many high-achievers, life can feel like an endless treadmill that just keeps picking up speed. You thrive on responsibility, but over time, that drive can become a constant chase that leaves you feeling behind, no matter how much you accomplish. It’s like pouring all your time and energy into a bottomless cup. You give so much, yet never feel fully recharged.
When demands pile up, the first thing we often sacrifice is ourselves. The quiet moments that once gave you peace become rare luxuries. You tell yourself, “I’ll get to it later,” but later never seems to arrive. This slow erosion of self is more than just missing a hobby; it shows up in your energy, your mood, and your relationships. You may find yourself more irritable, snapping at loved ones, or feeling a constant undercurrent of anxiety that follows you from your desk to your dinner table. You’re present, but not fully there. Not because you don’t care, but because you are running on empty.
Small Steps Back to Solid Ground
So, where do you begin? The good news is, you don’t need a total life overhaul. Big transformations grow out of small, consistent actions. You just need one steady step to find your footing.
1. Reclaim Ten Minutes
It sounds deceptively simple, but carving out just ten minutes that belong only to you can be transformative. This is not time for multitasking or chores. It is time to intentionally let your mind pause and your body reset.
Try This: Set a timer for ten minutes. Use that time to sit in stillness, stretch, walk outside, or listen to a piece of music without distraction. Make this a non-negotiable appointment with yourself.
2. Practice Clear Communication
You don’t have to carry the weight of everything in silence. Being honest about your capacity is not a weakness; it opens the door to support and shared understanding.
Try This: Identify one thing you need help with this week, either at work or at home. Practice asking for it directly and simply, without over-explaining or apologizing. For example: "I'm at capacity right now, could you please handle this?"
3. Learn to Say "Not Now"
This can be tough, especially for the go-to person. But saying “not now” doesn’t mean you’re letting anyone down. It means you are protecting your energy so you can continue to show up for the things that matter most. Not every request requires an immediate "yes."
Try This: The next time you receive a non-urgent request, instead of saying yes immediately, respond with: "Let me check my schedule and get back to you." This creates a crucial pause for you to assess if you truly have the time and energy.
It's Time to Put Yourself Back on the List
There will be days when even these small steps feel too heavy. In those moments, reaching out for help is a sign of strength. It means you recognize you’ve been strong for a long time, and it’s okay to lean on someone else. Therapy provides a dedicated space to finally take a deep breath, explore what’s beneath the stress, and rebuild in a way that is more sustainable.
You, the one who holds it all together, deserve care and support, too. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential. As a therapist providing online sessions throughout Iowa, I am here to walk that path with you. If you’re feeling ready to find your footing and reclaim your peace, I invite you to reach out.
