Hardiness with Dr Paul Taylor Feeling Overwhelmed? An Effective Way Forward with Carly Taylor
Jan 25, 2026
Practical tips for handling overwhelm through simple shifts in language and thought. Learn a quick brain dump and two-column prioritization to clear mental clutter. Try 25-minute focus blocks with short movement snacks to restore energy. Emphasis on small actions to build momentum and work alongside emotions rather than fighting them.
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Why Overwhelm Degrades Performance
- Overwhelm often triggers a stress response that makes us ineffective and can cause freeze or avoidance behaviors.
- Emotions prime the nervous system for threat, which reduces task performance rather than helping completion.
Name Feelings And Create Structure
- Notice and reframe your inner language by naming the feeling and asking, "What do I need right now?".
- Do a full brain dump, split tasks into two columns, and decide what must be done today versus later.
Use Pomodoro And Short Movement Breaks
- Use 25-minute focused work blocks with notifications off and focus on one task only while time-blocking tasks into your calendar.
- After each 25-minute block stand up and move for a short reset like a walk, stretch, or mindful breath.