It started with a simple doctor’s visit because I felt something was a little off. I wasn’t sick, or at least, I didn’t think I was. But something felt... off. I was exhausted, mentally drained, and feeling scattered all the time. My doctor, instead of prescribing medication or sending me for lab tests as I had anticipated, decided to engage me and asked me a few questions about my daily routine.
With each question probed and with each answer, the reality dawned on me—I wasn’t just unwell; I had stretched myself too thin. I had been running on autopilot, juggling work, family, and personal projects, thinking I had it all together. But in reality, I was carrying more than I realized, and it was taking a toll on me. This was my body’s way of yelling for help.
Does this sound familiar? Many of us push forward without pausing to recognize the weight we’re carrying. We don’t stop long enough to notice that the exhaustion, forgetfulness, and constant sense of rushing aren’t just a normal part of life—they’re signs that we’re overloaded. Someone said that the pace of life has been increasing over the years – which is true. If you watch videos from many years back, the pace of walking was much slower that it is today.
We’re constantly on the move—rushing from work to home, church, and social gatherings—it feels like the race never ends. I remember rushing through the allegedly most relaxed day of the week – Sundays- and getting frustrated for running late, and by the time we got there, I was too frustrated at being late to enjoy the service. Like really? Haven’t you at least made it there?
Then, come Monday, the cycle would start again—hurrying to work, then rushing home in the evening, trying to make up for lost time with the kids while battling the ever-present guilt of being a working mom. It’s as if there’s this invisible pressure we put on ourselves, a belief that if we don’t keep moving, we’ll somehow fall behind.
The Hidden Causes of Feeling Stretched Too Thin
Why do we still feel stretched too thin, even with the same 24 hours and the convenience of technology at our fingertips? We can order groceries online, skip long queues for government and banking services, and automate so many daily tasks—yet the pressure hasn’t eased. So, what’s really going on? Here are a few key insights:
1. Too Many Open Loops
Your mind is like a browser with too many tabs open. Every unfinished task, unanswered email, or unresolved decision lingers in the background, draining your mental energy. When nothing feels truly complete, your brain never gets a break, leading to stress and exhaustion.
2. Lack of Prioritization
Ever feel like everything on your to-do list is urgent? When you don’t have a system for prioritizing, everything feels equally important, leaving you scrambling in all directions. Without clarity, decision fatigue sets in, making even simple choices feel overwhelming.
3. Perfectionism & Indecision
We often tell ourselves we’re just “being thorough,” but in reality, perfectionism is a form of procrastination. The fear of making the wrong choice leads to overthinking, stalling progress, and piling on unnecessary stress.
4. Clutter—Both Physical and Mental
A cluttered space creates a cluttered mind. When your environment is chaotic, it can make even the smallest tasks feel monumental. The same goes for mental clutter—negative self-talk, self-doubt, and too many commitments create a constant state of being overwhelmed.
The Shift: From Chaos to Clarity
The good news? You don’t have to keep feeling this way. Being Overwhelmed isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a signal that your systems need tweaking. But the key isn’t trying to fix everything at once; it’s about making small, intentional shifts that bring clarity and control.
Practical Steps to Take Back Control
1. Do a Brain Dump
Instead of letting your thoughts swirl in your mind, put them on paper. Write down everything—tasks, worries, goals—so you can see them clearly. Once they’re out of your head, you can begin to sort through what truly matters.
2. Use the "One Thing" Rule
When everything feels urgent, pause and ask yourself: What’s the one thing I can do right now that will make the biggest impact? Prioritizing one task at a time reduces stress and builds momentum.
3. Set Boundaries on Your Time & Energy
Feeling stretched too thin often comes from saying “yes” too often. Practice saying “no” to things that don’t align with your priorities, and delegate where possible. Protect your energy for what truly matters.
4. Create a Simple Daily Structure
Small routines bring stability. Whether it’s a structured morning routine, a five-minute daily planning session, or an evening wind-down ritual, these tiny habits create a sense of control over your day.
Moving Forward
Feeling stretched too thin isn’t just about having too much on your plate—it’s about lacking the right systems to manage it all. True clarity doesn’t come from doing more; it comes from focusing on what truly matters.
I won’t pretend to have all the answers—I’m simply someone who’s been there, figuring it out along the way and sharing what works. Overwhelm can happen to anyone at any stage, and the real power lies in recognizing it, accepting it, and taking intentional steps to regain control. The goal isn’t just to keep up—it’s to create a life that feels both purposeful and sustainable.
