So let’s talk about what to do when Sh*t Hits the Fan™ — coming from someone currently waist-deep in the sh*t.

First and foremost, the priority is you. If possible, take care of your physical and emotional needs before worrying about how you’ll manage your responsibilities. Remember: if you fall entirely apart, none of it gets done anyway (this post with Dr. Kristin Stevens Psy D., LP, has tips for maintaining healthy habits when you’re struggling with your mental health).

When you’re ready, try “The Four Ds Method.” Start by collecting a list of what you are responsible for right now and for a future period of time that will support your need to deal with said sh*t (a week, a month, etc.). Then assess the list and place as many items as you can into one of four buckets:

 Delete: What tasks are no longer important or necessary? Be ruthless and delete ‘em right now.

 Delay: What isn’t time sensitive and could be delayed? Adjust deadlines and update your systems.

 Delegate: What could be done by someone else? Prepare to hand it off to them ASAP.

 Do: What are you capable of doing, if anything? Be realistic and enforce boundaries.

I was incredibly grateful for strong systems and The Four Ds   when sh*t hit the fan unexpectedly for me this week.

And it wasn’t just because it helped me navigate unexpected time off work. My systems are also what help me prioritize my mental health —- simple movement, gentle nutrition, hydration, good sleep, and gratitude. Even though I felt like I was falling apart, my systems were running in the background to support me as much as possible.