When Tasks Feel Overwhelming: A Few Ideas for You to Try

Simple Ways to Regain Clarity When Everything Feels Urgent

Here are a few practical ideas that may help you regain a clearer head and some momentum. Use what you have in your home already don’t add ‘must shop for…’ before you start.

Always remember, as I used to say to the parents who came to the toddler group I ran about any advice, including mine

Take what works. Leave the rest.

1. Use AI as Your Thinking Partner, Not a Taskmaster

If your to-do list lives in your head, it’s going to feel heavier than it needs to.

Try using an AI tool, whichever one you prefer, as an external brain. Choose one you can talk to if possible.

Tell it:

• Everything you need to do
• What’s business and what’s personal
• Is it urgent or important?
• What you feel can wait
• Roughly how long things take

Then ask questions like:

• Can you organise this by priority?
• What should I do first if I only have X minutes?
• What can be postponed without causing problems?

You can go back and cross tasks off as you go. Add any as you need to. Get the AI to resort as many times as you need to.

In the time you have – Do ONE task. The the next, then the next…

This isn’t about a neat and tidy list. It’s about just getting ALL the stuff out of your head.

Does that feel better now? Has it reduced your cognitive load?

It’s like having a best friend to always listen to you even at 3am as you constantly repeat yourself to them.

2. Reduce Digital Distractions, Even Temporarily

If some apps are quietly eating your attention, consider removing them from your phone. Even just for a week or two. You know the ones I’m talking about perhaps even the one that brought you to my blog?

You don’t have to delete accounts or make it permanent. Think of it as a short experiment.

Less apps to distract you can mean:

• Better focus on priority tasks
• Fewer context switches
• Slightly more mental breathing room

Sometimes that can be enough to give you the head-space to take stock and breath. Now we can get on with, and have more time for, the important tasks we need to do

3. Keep a “Three Things Only” Daily System

A page-a-day calendar, notebook, or planner works well here. Grab a piece of paper and write the date at the top if need be. As I said earlier “Use what you have in your home already don’t add ‘must shop for…’ before you start.”

You can use sticky notes to help you or coloured pens.

Each day:

• Write only three tasks
  • One per colour of sticky note or pen colour
  • For example: urgent, important, personal
• These are your priorities, not everyone else’s

If something unexpected comes up, you can and are allowed to move things.

When a task is done, cross it out. Enjoy the satisfaction.

Visible progress matters more than long lists.

4. Try a Purpose-Built ADHD Task App

If traditional planners don’t stick, it may be worth trying a tool designed for how your brain actually works.

I’ve used various apps over the years; but my favourite was discontinued – I’m still mad about that!

Find one that works for you it might be you need one that

• Focuses on breaking tasks down and reducing overwhelm
• Doesn’t force rigid systems.
• Has a tick list
• You can ‘brain dump’ everything by voice
• You can share with someone who can help you
  • If more than one capable adult lives in your home share the household tasks

No app is magic but the right one can make tasks feel more doable.

Start Small. That Still Counts.

You don’t need to fix everything today. You don’t need a perfect system. You need what works for you.

If one idea here makes the day feel even slightly more manageable, that’s enough.

Be kind to yourself. Go and do a jigsaw, read the book or go for a walk. You’ll feel better for having a break from all work. I like doing all of those things what’s your favourite things to do?

Start where you are. Yesterday has gone you can’t change that. Do what you can now.

Reset again if you need to. As many times as you need to.

Life happens; mine’s like a low-budget disaster movie! 🙂 Something one of my friends said that’s always stuck with me “You’re one of the kindest people I know I can’t believe everything that keeps happening to you” Despite life’s obstacles I keep trying, keep moving forwards. Slowly, slowly things improve.

One day at a time.

If you do want some help…

---