TOP 3 TIPS for Breaking Down Overwhelming Tasks

Staring at a massive piece of coursework or a to-do list that seems to have multiplied overnight? Here's how to tackle overwhelming tasks without having a complete meltdown:

1. Before You Begin: Breathe and Reset

This might sound obvious, but seriously - pause before diving in. When you're stressed, your brain isn't operating at its best, so give it a chance to reset.

Make a cup of tea (or coffee!), take a 10-minute walk around, read a few pages of something completely unrelated, or even just do some deep breathing. The goal isn't procrastination - it's preparing your mind to actually focus rather than spiral into anxiety.

Some people find it helpful to tidy their workspace first, others prefer background music or complete silence. Figure out what puts you in the right headspace to tackle big tasks. This isn't time wasted; it's an investment in working more effectively.

2. Take Strategic Breaks (Your Brain Will Thank You)

Forget the myth of grinding for hours straight - that's a recipe for burnout and diminishing returns. Your brain needs regular breaks to process information and maintain focus.

Try the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes focused work, 5-minute break. Or adapt it to what works for you - maybe 45 minutes on, 15 minutes off. The key is consistency and actually taking the breaks (not just scrolling your phone while half-working).

Don't be afraid to experiment with your environment too. Some days you might focus best in the library, others in your room, sometimes with study partners, sometimes solo. Your optimal conditions might change based on the task, your energy levels, or even the weather.

Figure out if you're a morning person or a night owl and schedule your most challenging tasks for when your brain is naturally sharper. Working with your natural rhythms rather than against them makes everything easier.

3. Reward Yourself (And Mean It)

This isn't just feel-good advice - rewards actually help your brain form positive associations with completing tasks, making you more likely to tackle the next challenge.

The reward should match the effort. Finished a particularly tough assignment? Maybe that's worth a nice meal out or a new book you've been wanting. Got through a difficult study session? Perhaps it's a favourite snack, an episode of your current show, or calling a friend for a chat.

Some people prefer to reward themselves after completing everything, others need mini-rewards throughout the process. Try both and see what keeps you motivated.

The key is making it a genuine reward, not something you'd do anyway. If you always scroll TikTok for an hour before bed, that's not really a reward for completing your essay - that's just Tuesday.

Be proud of your effort, not just the outcome. Sometimes the most important victory is showing up and trying, even if the result isn't perfect.

Madeleine x