Shortcut: 4 Ways to Feel Less Overwhelmed

Let Go of What Drains You

Life can feel overwhelming, but experts suggest much of our exhaustion comes not from what we struggle with but from what we hold on to: goals that don’t truly matter to us, possessions we don’t need, the million tasks we juggle in our heads, and the understandable but costly fear of setting clear boundaries.

The good news? You have the power to change this. Here are four expert-backed ways to free yourself from what’s weighing you down—and regain control.

1: Let Go of a Striving Mindset

In The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F∗ck, Mark Manson argues that social media and society push us to care deeply about everything—money, possessions, happiness, friends, and so on. As a result, we get caught in a chase that emphasizes what we lack and keeps us trapped in a cycle of grasping for more.

The solution? Release the urge to care about “everything.” Manson explains that spreading your emotional energy across too many things—especially things that don’t really matter—keeps you from focusing on what’s truly valuable to you. Instead, aim to give fewer f*cks, saving your energy for what’s genuinely important.

Start by examining your current priorities. Are you in the habit of chasing money and pleasure? Trying to always be right? Exhausting yourself striving to be positive all the time? Ask yourself what’s truly important to you, beyond what society (or social media) tells you is important. Your answers can help you identify where to focus your energy—and what you can release.

2. Let Go of Physical Excess

In Goodbye, Things, Fumio Sasaki argues that we cling to possessions for emotional reasons—to prove our worth to others, preserve memories, or hold onto things we think we might need “someday.” But this attachment creates hidden burdens: Every object needs maintenance, creates mental clutter, and requires decisions about its use and storage—draining our time and energy.

The solution? Get rid of items you don’t truly need. Eliminating excess possessions doesn’t just clear physical space—it clarifies what you value, gives you more flexibility in how you live, and increases your emotional calm.

Start with duplicates and things that are broken, expired, or that you haven’t used in months. Then ask yourself about each remaining possession: Would you buy it again if you lost it? Does it actively serve your daily life? If not, it might be time to let it go. Your belongings should add value to your life, not drain it.

3: Let Go of Mental Clutter

In Getting Things Done, David Allen argues that while your brain excels at creating and processing ideas, it’s not good at remembering details like tasks, reminders, and pieces of information. Trying to saps your energy and prevents you from being fully present.

The solution? Stop keeping track of everything in your head. Instead, relocate everything demanding your attention—from major projects to that small repair you’ve been meaning to do—to an external organization system (like a notebook or in-box). Then, examine each task:

• If it takes less than two minutes, do it now.
• If it requires no action, either file it for reference or toss it.
• If someone else can handle it, delegate it.
• If it’s too big for one step, identify what to do first.
• If it’s for future followup, file it as “Someday/Maybe”

The goal isn’t to do everything, but to have a trusted system for tracking it all so you can free up your mind to focus on your current task—without that nagging feeling that you’re forgetting something important.

4. Let Go of Fuzzy Limits

In Set Boundaries, Find Peace, Nedra Glover Tawwab argues that we often avoid setting clear limits with people because we’re worried about rejection or want to keep everyone happy. But when we fail to make our boundaries clear, others inevitably fail to meet our expectations simply because they don’t know what those expectations are. This leads them to act in ways that leave us feeling resentful, anxious, and drained.

The solution? Replace vague expectations with clear boundaries. Setting healthy limits isn’t about pushing people away—it’s about communicating your needs directly and honestly so others know how to treat you.

To start, identify situations that leave you feeling overextended or disrespected—like when a coworker asks you to take on yet another project, or a relative makes jokes at your expense. Then, communicate your boundaries directly and assertively, without over-explaining or apologizing. For example, instead of making excuses about why you can’t help your colleague, say “I’m at capacity and can’t take on additional work right now.” Clear limits free you to choose what you’ll accept—and what you won’t.

The Bottom Line

Letting go of burdens we place on ourselves takes practice and patience—you won’t release them all at once. Experts recommend starting with what feels most manageable. Clearing physical clutter can give you the confidence to tackle mental overload, while practicing saying “no” to small obligations can make it easier to set more critical boundaries. Remember: Letting go of what weighs you down doesn’t mean eliminating everything, but rather, being selective about what you keep and prioritize.

Read the Full Guides

Shortform note: Read the full Shortform guides mentioned in this article (image: Pixabay):

• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F∗ck
• Goodbye, Things
• Getting Things Done
• Set Boundaries, Find Peace

Join the Conversation

Of all the things on your plate, what feels most overwhelming right now? Which of these approaches might help you let it go? Share your thoughts in the comments!