Overwhelm! Don't Let it Stop You
Published by Tracey Burchard under organization, overwhelm, self help, self improvement on Thursday, October 08, 2009
There are tons of expectations placed on us these days. Work, family, community - not just our own commitments, but our kids' concerts, games, practices, parties and more. With employers demanding more and more of our time and effort and the stress and demands of our everyday lives, it's hard not to feel overwhelmed.
Overwhelm can stop you in your tracks. When it hits, it's like a hurricane swirling around you - you're sitting in the eye of it watching, frozen, while the chaos gets bigger and bigger. The stress of being overwhelmed can cause a whole host of issues from a depressed immune system to actual depression. Procrastination, withdrawal and avoidance are some of the biggest signs that you are experiencing overwhelm.
So, what to do?
First off, breathe. I know, you've heard that before. But generally, when we get stressed, we stop breathing - or we take short breaths in our upper chest. This doesn't help. Take some real breaths - imagine breathing all the way down to your toes, breathing in peace, and breathing out stress. Not only does this force you to focus, it brings needed oxygen to your muscles and brain so that you can focus and take action.
Now, get out pencil and paper and make a list. Part of the reason you are so stressed is that you are trying to remember everything you have to do. Get it on a list, and categorize if you like.
Next - take a look at the big picture. Do you really have to do it all? Right now? If you could only choose one thing from your list, what would it be? What can wait till tomorrow? Or next week? You may find that some things aren't necessary and will fall off your list as time goes by. Prioritize by writing numbers 1-5 next to each item, then do them in that order.
OK. Who can you get to help you? Learn to delegate. Have the kids do the smaller, less important things. Get a friend or co-worker to help with projects - offer to reciprocate. It can be fun to work on things together and as they say - two brains are better than one.
Take care of yourself. Eat right and exercise. Pizza and french fries are simply not going to give you the energy you need to be focused and productive. I know, I know...but remember - you have to deal with the consequences. Even a short, brisk walk will get your energy up and increase your focus so you can make headway on your list.
Music. Volumes have been written about the ability music has to change our mental and even physical states - like overwhelm. Listening to upbeat music when doing physical or repetitive labor, and softer styles like classical when you need focus will help keep your mood even and productivity high.
By this time, the hurricane should be passing - you step out of the midst of it with much more clarity, able to brave all the new assignments, commitments and opportunities that arise!
Overwhelm can stop you in your tracks. When it hits, it's like a hurricane swirling around you - you're sitting in the eye of it watching, frozen, while the chaos gets bigger and bigger. The stress of being overwhelmed can cause a whole host of issues from a depressed immune system to actual depression. Procrastination, withdrawal and avoidance are some of the biggest signs that you are experiencing overwhelm.
So, what to do?
First off, breathe. I know, you've heard that before. But generally, when we get stressed, we stop breathing - or we take short breaths in our upper chest. This doesn't help. Take some real breaths - imagine breathing all the way down to your toes, breathing in peace, and breathing out stress. Not only does this force you to focus, it brings needed oxygen to your muscles and brain so that you can focus and take action.
Now, get out pencil and paper and make a list. Part of the reason you are so stressed is that you are trying to remember everything you have to do. Get it on a list, and categorize if you like.
Next - take a look at the big picture. Do you really have to do it all? Right now? If you could only choose one thing from your list, what would it be? What can wait till tomorrow? Or next week? You may find that some things aren't necessary and will fall off your list as time goes by. Prioritize by writing numbers 1-5 next to each item, then do them in that order.
OK. Who can you get to help you? Learn to delegate. Have the kids do the smaller, less important things. Get a friend or co-worker to help with projects - offer to reciprocate. It can be fun to work on things together and as they say - two brains are better than one.
Take care of yourself. Eat right and exercise. Pizza and french fries are simply not going to give you the energy you need to be focused and productive. I know, I know...but remember - you have to deal with the consequences. Even a short, brisk walk will get your energy up and increase your focus so you can make headway on your list.
Music. Volumes have been written about the ability music has to change our mental and even physical states - like overwhelm. Listening to upbeat music when doing physical or repetitive labor, and softer styles like classical when you need focus will help keep your mood even and productivity high.
By this time, the hurricane should be passing - you step out of the midst of it with much more clarity, able to brave all the new assignments, commitments and opportunities that arise!
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