How to Stay Sane When You’re Busy AF

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Life as a solopreneur, entrepreneur, or busy professional can sometimes feel like an endless sprint. We’ve all been there—those seasons when the to-do list seems to grow longer by the minute, and there never seems to be enough time in the day. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but staying sane during these intense periods is possible with the right mindset and strategies.

Here’s how to keep your cool, stay productive, and, most importantly, take care of yourself when you’re busy AF.

1. Be Intentional About the Work You’re Doing

When you're in the thick of a busy season, it’s crucial to be intentional about where you’re directing your energy. It’s super easy to get bogged down by unimportant tasks—responding to emails, attending unnecessary meetings, or getting lost in admin work. These are all things that feel productive but don’t actually move the needle.

Ask yourself: What are the most important tasks that will have the biggest impact on my goals? Focus your energy on these tasks. It’s about doing less, but better. Prioritize the work that truly matters, and let the rest fall by the wayside.

2. Cut Back on “Novel Stimuli”

I love this phrase—and I love social media. But let’s be honest: while platforms like Instagram, Threads, and YouTube are great for conversations, dialogue, and learning new stuff, they can also be massive time sinks. You’d be shocked by how much time I spent on social media today—though I was technically working.

Here’s the thing: social media is great, but it’s not where I do my most important work. During busy seasons, I make a conscious effort to limit my time on these platforms. Cutting back on “novel stimuli” helps you stay focused and reduces the mental clutter that comes from constantly consuming new information. Save the deep dives and endless scrolling for when you have more bandwidth.

3. Recognize Your Wins

When you’re drowning in tasks, it’s easy to lose sight of your progress. But celebrating even the smallest wins is crucial for staying motivated and keeping your sanity intact.

Where can you make space to acknowledge your achievements? Maybe it’s a journal where you jot down your wins at the end of the day. Maybe it’s over dinner with a loved one, sharing what you accomplished. Recognizing your wins, no matter how small, gives you the momentum to keep pushing forward, even when things are hectic.

4. Personal Care Non-Negotiables

Taking care of your health is stupidly important, especially when you’re in a busy AF season. But here’s the catch: don’t overcomplicate it. The last thing you need is to add a bunch of personal care commitments to an already overwhelming schedule.

Instead, focus on your non-negotiables—the bare minimums that you know you need to stay healthy and sane. This might be a quick morning stretch, a 5-minute meditation, or making sure you drink enough water throughout the day. These small acts of self-care can have a big impact, without adding more stress.

Adapting Your Non-Negotiables for Your Season

Your non-negotiables don’t have to be set in stone. What works during a slower season might not be realistic when you’re busy. Be flexible and adapt your self-care routine to fit your current reality. Maybe your usual hour-long workout gets trimmed down to 20 minutes, or your evening wind-down routine becomes a quick 10-minute ritual.

Recognizing Your Minimums

Knowing your personal care minimums is key to maintaining your well-being without overloading yourself. What’s the bare minimum you need to feel good and function well? Identify those things, and make them a priority. Even when everything else feels out of control, sticking to these minimums will help you stay grounded.

Final Thoughts

Staying sane when you’re busy AF isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most. Be intentional with your time, cut back on distractions, celebrate your wins, and take care of yourself in a way that’s sustainable and realistic. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress and balance.

You’ve got this!