Back To The Basics.
Not Everything Is Because of Stress
Ha, yes, I said it. Not everything is because of stress. In fact, sometimes, the simplest things can be the cause of the discomfort we often attribute to stress. Case in point: the other day, my eye was bothering me. It wasn’t a serious issue, but it was enough to distract me. Initially, I went down the typical stress rabbit hole, wondering if I was burning out, working too much, or not managing my time properly.
But after a few self-talk sessions, I realized something. I hadn’t been drinking enough water.
It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? But that’s the thing—sometimes, it’s the basics that get overlooked. I was dehydrated, and it was affecting everything from my focus to my physical well-being. I remember back when I first started increasing my water intake, I used those water bottles with the time markers on them to make sure I was staying on track. WELP. I had stopped using them, and my body was telling me it was time to go back.
Time Management 101: When the Basics Aren't So Basic
As I reflected on my eye issue and my lack of hydration, something else became clear: I had also been feeling busier than usual. And once again, I chalked it up to stress. But after more self-talk, I realized that I had stopped using one of my foundation time management habits. The one that keeps me grounded. The one that ensures I don’t get overwhelmed or spiral into chaos: writing things down and setting timers.
I know, it sounds simple, but it works. This practice allows me to break tasks down into manageable chunks instead of staring at my to-do list in paralyzed overwhelm. It’s easy to forget the basics, especially when life gets busy, but this is the trick to moving forward without feeling like you’re drowning in responsibilities.
Go Back to the Basics: When Overwhelm Hits, Start Small
When we feel overwhelmed or stressed, it’s usually because we’re not meeting the expectations we set for ourselves. But what if the key isn’t to push harder or work longer, but to go back to the basics?
I love using the analogy of marathon runners. Even the best runners don’t run a marathon without breaks, without walking, and without following a routine. When you feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a step back and simplify. You don’t have to be “on” all the time, and you don’t need to be perfect.
This is where setting small, achievable goals comes into play. For me, this means going back to drinking more water, writing things down, and—yes—setting timers for tasks. One of my favorite tricks is setting a timer for just 12 minutes. It’s amazing how much you can accomplish in a short, focused burst, and it takes the pressure off needing to complete an entire task in one go.
You Are Not Falling Backward—You Are in Your Sling-shot Era
Here’s the most important thing to remember: when you go back to the basics, you are not falling backward. You’re simply giving yourself the space to reset and rebuild. It might feel like you’re taking a step back, but in reality, you’re in your sling-shot era.
Think about it: when you pull a slingshot back, it feels like you're moving in the opposite direction. But when you release it, it launches forward with force and momentum. This is what happens when you take time to refocus, replenish, and realign your habits with your goals. You might not see it right away, but going back to the basics will set you up to move forward in a more sustainable, powerful way.
Final Thoughts
So next time you feel stressed or overwhelmed, take a moment to ask yourself: “Am I drinking enough water? Am I writing things down? Am I taking a moment to breathe and refocus?” Sometimes, the solution is far simpler than we think. It's not about adding more to your plate; it's about finding the foundation that helps you build from a place of balance and clarity.
And remember: you’re not falling behind. You’re setting yourself up for the next leap forward. You’re in your sling-shot era, and you’ve got this.
