Focus on One Thing at a Time (Itisha)

When life gets hectic, which tends to be often, one of the best methods is to simply take things step-by-step and prioritize accomplishing one task at a time. For most people, what ends up being the most overwhelming in the middle of a storm is that everything feels like too much.

My Experience

For me, I have struggled with having a lot on my plate all my life. I’ve always tried to have my foot in multiple doors, whether it be school, extracurriculars, sports, or anything else. And while the importance of giving yourself the privilege of variety in life is not lost on me, it’s also clear that it can swamp a person’s mind very quickly.

I remember at a young age, hearing the phrase “focus on one thing at a time” and laughing at the thought. Where’s the fun in that? Eight-year-old me loved the concept of happiness in chaos, embracing all busy aspects of my short life. Now, I realize how vital this notion truly is, and I’m sure I will feel this way as I get older as well. 

Try This!

That being said, there are lots of ways to achieve this ideology! For one, practice mindfulness by improving your sleep and reducing multitasking. I know we’ve all been there — with a lot needing to be done, and it feels like you need to sacrifice your sleep for it — but it really is necessary for you to prioritize yourself and your rest. If possible, reduce your list of things to do in terms of level of importance and sneak a few extra hours of sleep wherever you can.

Next, try to incorporate things you enjoy into some of the boring tasks you may have to finish. This could include playing some music, listening to a podcast, or anything else that will keep you in a calm state without distracting your mind from what you need to do. And music doesn’t have to have words; it could be purely instrumentals, whatever you prefer! 

If this doesn’t stick out to you, try connecting with nature in any way you can. Whether it’s a short walk, a bike ride, or even just sitting and basking in some sunlight, being outside helps our minds and bodies in many ways. When you’ve got a lot to do, try getting out of the house and breathe in some fresh air!

In addition to music and nature, use these tools as breaks for yourself as well. Focusing on one thing at a time also means not putting too much pressure on yourself for the task at hand; it means balancing everything with short breaks and whatever else you need to successfully go about your day-to-day life.

Overall, everyone’s responsibilities can be a lot. When it feels like you’re flooded with work, try focusing on one thing at a time and enjoy the variety that your life has to offer.

If you are feeling down and need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Letters Against Depression if you haven’t already. We send letters of hope and support to those who need someone there for them. You can request to receive letters here.