If you are feeling overwhelmed in your personal and/or professional life, it can take a toll on your overall joy and well-being.
At the end of the day, aren't we all looking for peace of mind and to feel like your day was worthwhile, that you helped another and that you did the best you could do?
I'm sure there are many days you feel that way, and yet other times you feel weighed down by everything.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, ask yourself these questions:
Am I overextending myself, or trying to get too much done all at once?
Did I take care of everyone else, or try to please everyone and forget that I'm on that list of people as well?
Was I pushing myself too hard, or not enough?
Do I feel behind on many things, or there aren't enough hours in a day, or that I haven't felt up to doing anything, and now I look at my list of things to do and it seems too much?
Am I handling my emotions and my time the best that I can, or are they handling me?
If you are overwhelmed, you may be feeling exhausted. You may notice your emotions are all over the map, or running higher than usual. Perhaps you just don't feel like yourself, or it all feels like too much, or you feel weighed down by everything that's been going on or things you need to get done.
Since most of us, for the most part, are awesome multi-taskers and generally have a fairly good handle on our lives and emotions, we may not recognize the pressures we've been under and the toll it's been taking until something happens to open our eyes.
The good news is, whether you are heading into the storm of overwhelm, or are already feeling snowed under, there are definitely things you can do that can help you regain your peace of mind.
What can you do?
Step back. Since you may be running on over-drive, it's important you slow down for a moment and take notice of where you are and what choices you have. Step back before you take the next step forward. Unwind, take a walk, do some yoga, meditate, listen to music, look at nature, go for a swim, breathe, etc. When you are calmer and more relaxed, it's always easier to see what your next steps are.
To-Do List. Lists are a great way to keep you on track, but make sure you prioritize them from what's most important to what's least important on the things that have to get done. We often have things on our lists that don't HAVE to get done right away, and they can wait until another time. You don't have to vacuum the dust bunnies today.
Ask for help. This is a tough one for a lot of people, but it's also very important especially when feeling overwhelmed. You don't have to do go it alone or do everything yourself. You don't have to be superwoman or man all the time. When someone helps you or is there for you, it can take a lot of pressure off and bring you support and comfort during a stressful time. You are there for others and it's okay for others to be there for you.
Make time for you. Perhaps you are last on your list right now, but believe it or not giving back to you can replenish your energy and spirits. In the long run, you will learn how and to pace yourself and therefore, be able to handle things better and be more productive or centered.
Say no. Just like asking for help, saying no can also be difficult. If you try to please others all the time, or you are doings things that aren't best for you right now, or you are taking on too much, then before you know it you are feeling overwhelmed. Saying no doesn't mean you are always going to say no, it just means at this time it's best for you and the situation to say, "Thank-you, but this time I'm not able to do that or, I will take a rain-check."
Check In. When was the last time you checked in with yourself? How are you doing right now? What can you do to ease things or feel less stressed or emotional? We generally know what we need to do, or what will help, but we don't check in to hear what it is, or if we do we don't listen. Listen.
Let go. Letting go isn't always easy because we like to think we can control as much as possible. Knowing what's important to do and what we "truly" have to do helps in letting go of other things. It's okay to let go.
Remember, you don't have to do everything, know everything, and please everyone. Know what's truly important.
These techniques assist you in seeing what's creating the overwhelm in your life and what you need to let go of to bring back peace of mind into your life.
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Kimberley Cohen is the Founder, Facilitator and Personal Insight Coach of The Insight Technique. She founded the Insight Technique - Your Insight to genuine Happiness, Purpose and Prosperity to assist herself and others in transforming limiting mindsets. Soar through the limiting beliefs holding you back and experience the freedom of unlimited possibilities. http://www.TheInsightTechnique.com
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