How to Take Control of Your Day Without Feeling Overwhelmed
Managing and reorganising daily life is rarely easy, especially when responsibilities pile up. As a senior software engineer working in Sydney for a large restaurant chain, I know what it’s like to be the go-to person for every technical issue. When you’re the main developer and the backbone of the infrastructure, you’re always on call, always explaining, always justifying—even for mistakes that aren’t yours. This constant responsibility brings a lot of mental clutter. It’s hard to switch off at night, and your mind never feels clear.
That’s why it’s so important to create real breaks in your day. You need to unload, and that can mean going for a jog, taking a walk, or just stepping outside. Personally, I love walking to the Sydney Opera House after work. That short walk helps me reset. I also enjoy reading and writing. No matter what your job is, keeping up with your hobbies is essential. But hobbies should become habits. For example, I write every day for at least 20 minutes. It’s not much, but skipping even one day makes it harder to start again. That’s why sticking to your habits is crucial.
Right now, I’m on my lunch break, sitting in the café downstairs at work. It’s a nice spot to take a breather and think. Taking care of your health should always come first, no matter how much you have to do. If you don’t, burnout is just around the corner. Your health is what allows you to be productive in the long run.
Putting yourself first means making time for yourself, even if it feels counterintuitive. You might think you should be working instead, but these moments are like a detox for your mind. If you work non-stop, you’ll end up stuck and unable to move forward. High mental load is common, and to get rid of it, you need to “flush it out”—like pulling the chain on a toilet. That can mean taking a shower, relaxing in a jacuzzi, getting a massage, or just spending quality time with loved ones. Life only happens once, and lost time never comes back. If a project at work isn’t delivered on time, it’s not the end of the world. You do your best, and that’s all anyone can ask.
Sometimes you have to work late, but you also need to set boundaries. If you can’t take on more work, that’s just how it is. You’re not a robot. If there aren’t enough resources or the deadline is too tight, maybe your team needs more people. But your health is the most important thing. If you’re always out of commission, that’s even worse for your company. Be clear about your limits and stick to them. If you leave work at 5pm every day, it becomes normal. But if you always stay until 8pm and leave early once, people notice. Set your habits and rules from the start, and others will respect them.
Think of these rules as your personal constitution. I talk about this in my book, Success Is Not Far Away. Having your own set of rules changes everything. It protects you and helps you move forward faster. For example, I always take a lunch break, no matter how busy I am. I meditate or go for a walk for half an hour to an hour. These breaks help me recharge and give me space to think about personal projects or reflect on life.
It’s also important to be clear about your priorities. When someone says they don’t have time for something, it just means it’s not a priority. If it was, they’d make time for it. Be honest with yourself about what matters most. It helps to have three main priorities in life and be clear about what’s important and what isn’t. This way, you can move forward faster because you know what comes first.
Finally, look at your tasks and obligations. Reduce what you can, both at work and in your personal life. The fewer distractions and commitments you have, the more you can achieve. You have to make space for yourself—it won’t happen by magic. Set aside time for yourself, with friends, family, or just alone. Love your life and be proud of what you accomplish. To make this happen, you need to be strict about protecting your time.
If you don’t make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness. — Unknown
The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities. — Stephen Covey
Key Takeaways
- Make your health and well-being your top priority.
- Turn hobbies into daily habits, even if it’s just 20 minutes a day.
- Set clear personal rules and boundaries at work and in life.
- Be honest about your priorities—if it matters, you’ll make time for it.
- Reduce unnecessary obligations to free up time and mental space.
Action Steps
- Identify your three main priorities and focus on them.
- Create a personal constitution: write down your non-negotiable rules.
- Schedule daily breaks and stick to them, no matter what.
- Regularly review and cut down on commitments that don’t serve you.
Reflection
What are your real priorities? Are you protecting your time and energy, or letting others set your limits?
Pierre-Henry Soria
#Daily Routine #Habit-Building #Personal Organization #Productivity #Tasks #Tech #Time-Management