What do you do when there so much to do, there’s so much going on, and you haven’t even put a dent in your to-do list? You’re maintaining your composure but you’re starting to feel overwhelm overcoming you. Everything that’s going on is good stuff! Your prayers are being answered. You’ve waited and worked a long time for some of these situations to manifest, and now they are – but all at once, it seems!
Overwhelm can creep up on you whenever it feels like it. It’s difficult to stop and relax, read a book, non-work related even, just a silly book to get your mind off of things. I can’t do it! My mind wanders to all the things I have left to do. All roads lead back to The Infamous List. Phrases like “you should”; “why didn’t you”; “you could have”; and “don’t forget to”, constantly float through my head. It’s maddening! But! There is HOPE.
Over time, I have found a few techniques that have reversed the feelings of being overwhelmed and halted depression in its tracks. Try a couple or develop your own. If one does not work then try another technique. The important thing now is your mental well-being.
Here’s what has worked for me:
~Stop everything (or at least slow down). I need to regroup because I am unable to focus. I’m all over the place mentally and emotionally. I find myself busy doing a whole lot of nothing. I’m unproductive! The only way for me to get back in alignment is to stop everything or slow to a medium paced crawl for a short period of time to rest my brain, body and spirit. I need to replenish, re-energize and refresh.
~Get off my own back and halt the negative head chatter. A person can only think one thought at a time so when the negative chatter begins I replace it with positive self talk.
~Pay close attention to my breathing. I breathe in on a 5 count, hold for 5 count and release on a 10 count. And repeat 3-4 times.
~Listen to music. Ahh yes, music! I like all genres but when I’m in overwhelm I listen to smooth jazz or soft meditation type music.
~Meditate, for at least 5 minutes at a time. It’s a great place to start.
~Look up favorite bible scriptures and write them down in my journal.
~Make sure I’m drinking plenty of water, plain water, no lemon or anything else that will make my kidneys work harder. The goal is full body relaxation, internally and externally.
~Exercise, walk, yoga, pilates, swim, dance are all great practices. Walking outside is great for fresh air, scenery, and just being in the world, on foot.
~Eat healthy. Eliminate the junk food, the empty calories (as best I can). However, sometimes I “need” a scoop (or two) of ice cream.
~Get plenty of sleep. A good 8 hours each night.
There’s a myriad of processes and techniques to get back on the beam and in alignment. I’ve just listed a few that help start me on my way. I try to remember that all work and no relaxation or time-outs will lead to overwhelm. We, as a people, must take care of ourselves. My desire is to be successful in all aspects of my life: body, mind, spirit and business. I want to be healthy to enjoy the fruits of my labor. And I will be!
Quote of the Week:
The pessimist complains about the wind;
The optimist expects it to change;
The realist adjusts the sales.
William Arthur Ward
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