How to Organize Life

Stephanie Strouth • June 27, 2025

With summer coming to a close, let’s review some tips to help you decrease anxiety and get in gear! 

Do you ever feel like you just aren’t getting any traction? Stuck on the same tasks? Let’s review some ways to get going!

1.) Plan your week. Setting a weekly plan can give you a direction for the week. Much of the time we get in a rut of just going with the flow letting life control us rather than identifying what is important and urgent, needing to get done. You can start by writing down all the tasks you need to do, like a running to do list. Next, you can divide your tasks into important, not important, urgent, and not urgent, highlighting the important and urgent tasks for the week.

2.) Set achievable goals. After you identify your tasks for the week, you need to ask yourself a few questions. Are your goals achievable? Are they so overwhelming that you keep putting it off? Can they be done in the time frame you’ve set? Goal-setting issues arise when we give ourselves too many little tasks or list a single task that’s too big! Both of these cause us to freeze, spending hours scrolling on social media or binging Netflix. Andddd later feeling guilty because that time could’ve been used more wisely. Meanwhile, the tasks sitll don’t get done. Make your goals achievable. Don’t bite off too many tasks for the week. Get serious about estimating the time each task takes. Break it down into one day, one hour at a time if needed. For larger tasks, break them into smaller, less overwhelming things and give ample time.

3.) Build in rewards! When you’re planning your week and setting goals…. how many of those items are exciting, fun, refilling? Yeah, there might be the occasional vacation, but how are you rewarding yourself through the week? And not just rewarding, but refilling. How are you refilling your cup on the daily? For those mundane tasks with low motivation that HAVE to get done, set a reward for yourself! Or, just schedule something that refills your cup every or every other day, no achievement beforehand required. Once it’s on your actual to-do list, you get refilled AND you get the thrill of marking it off your list!

4.) Be in the moment. I saw a post about “glimmers”. They are the every day moments that often get overlooked when you’re busy jumping from one task to the next. Build mindfulness or deep breathing breaks into your day. Notice your present moment and hone in on what is right in front of you. Enjoy those little moments- the stars on a clear night, the smile of a loved one, every bite of your food… LIVE!

Why You Feel Numb Instead of Emotional

By Stephanie Strouth • January 2, 2026
Not everyone experiences emotional distress as crying or intense sadness. For many people, emotional pain shows up as numbness.

When You Feel Overwhelmed for “No Clear Reason”

By Stephanie Strouth • January 1, 2026
Many people feel overwhelmed even when there is not one specific event they can point to as the cause. You may have a stable job, a home, and people in your life, yet still feel as if everything is just too much.

How Therapy Helps You Feel Safe Being Yourself

By Stephanie Strouth • December 31, 2025
Many people spend years adjusting who they are to fit expectations, avoid conflict, or gain acceptance.

Why You Feel Anxious About Resting or Doing Nothing

By Stephanie Strouth • December 30, 2025
Many people feel uneasy when they try to rest. Sitting still may bring racing thoughts, guilt, or a sense that something important is being neglected.

Why Letting Go Feels So Difficult

By Stephanie Strouth • December 29, 2025
Letting go is often talked about as if it should be simple, yet many people find it incredibly difficult.

Why You Feel Drained After Social Interactions

By Stephanie Strouth • December 28, 2025
Feeling emotionally drained after social interactions is more common than many people realize.

Why You Feel Emotionally Overstimulated by Everyday Life

By Stephanie Strouth • December 27, 2025
Many people describe feeling emotionally overstimulated without fully understanding why. Ordinary sounds feel irritating, conversations feel draining, and even small tasks can feel overwhelming.

What It Means to Heal Without Rushing Yourself

By Stephanie Strouth • December 26, 2025
Many people enter therapy hoping to feel better as quickly as possible. When progress feels slow, they may become discouraged or worry that something is wrong.

Why You Feel Guilty for Needing Support

By Stephanie Strouth • December 25, 2025
Many people experience guilt when they consider seeking help for their mental health.

Why Emotional Stress Can Show Up as Physical Symptoms

By Stephanie Strouth • December 24, 2025
Many people seek help for physical symptoms without realizing how deeply emotional stress can affect the body. Headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, fatigue, jaw clenching, chest tightness, and unexplained aches often have emotional components that go unnoticed.

From Overwhelmed to Empowered, We’ll Help You Get There

You don’t have to navigate life’s chaos alone. At Anchoring Hope Counseling, we guide individuals across Virginia, just like you, who are ready to stop surviving and start thriving. Whether you're seeking therapy, mental health medication, or simply a fresh start, we’re here to help you reconnect with your most authentic self and reclaim your peace of mind.


We Have Physical Locations in Abingdon, Pennington Gap, & Wise, Virginia.

You’re Not Alone, Let’s Start Healing, Together.

What If Peace Wasn’t Just Possible, But Within Reach?

When life feels chaotic or heavy, it’s easy to lose sight of who you are and what you need. At Anchoring Hope Counseling, we meet you exactly where you are, without judgment, and help you reconnect with your strength, clarity, and self-worth.

Whether you're struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationships, or simply feeling stuck, we offer personalized care that empowers you to take control, feel grounded, and move forward with purpose.

You don’t have to do this alone. Let us walk beside you.

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As part of our commitment to your overall well-being, we offer more than just counseling and medication management. Enjoy exclusive perks like free access to our Anchoring Hope app, discounts with our trusted partners, and savings on transformative Soundbed sessions. We believe in a holistic approach to care, ensuring that you receive a truly unique and enriching experience every step of the way.

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We understand that true healing involves more than just the time spent in session. That's why we provide our clients with awesome extras designed to enhance your overall experience. From tools to manage everyday stress to special offers that promote relaxation and wellness, our perks are crafted to meet your unique needs. At Anchoring Hope Counseling, we’re here to ensure that your path to well-being is as smooth and supportive as possible. With us, you have access to:


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