I experience severe anxiety if I dont get things done on time

Hi. It’s Jenny at AnxietyBoss.com. Our question today is from Carol in Ocean City, New Jersey. Whenever I think of something that I need to do, I need to get it done now. If not, I experience severe anxiety. Is this normal?

When you’re overwhelmed with a number of activities that need to get done, feeling this way is not unusual; however, there are several ways to avoid the severe anxiety that you’re experiencing. Writing a schedule or even just a prioritized list of what needs to get done could definitely help to better organize your mind so that you don’t need to expect to achieve an unrealistic goal.

You may even find it helpful to program this schedule into a smart phone so that you don’t lose track of time. You may also find that your anxiety will be much less likely to occur when you work your way up to the top of your prioritized list. This way you’re not as tired and you’re motivated to work your way up to the next important job needed to get done.

Additionally, don’t always rely on yourself. If you need help, ask for it. There’s nothing wrong with hiring a maid or someone to cut your grass, even just temporarily, so that a bit of that overwhelming feeling of anxiety is off your shoulders.

Also, don’t forget about yourself in the midst of your busy day. Take time to exercise or even make a healthy smoothie so that your body remains healthy and stress is decreased.