3 tips to deal with overwhelm
Do you ever feel that the world is collapsing in on you, that you don’t have enough time in the day to get everything you should do done?
Did you know that you are not alone in finding life over whelming? We live in an age where you are always on the go, where you are trying to cope with an ever expanding ‘to do list’. Imagine if you could stop time for a few days, a month even a year to be free of your to do list.
You don’t get a chance to breathe before you are already thinking about what’s next. But before you even start to think of what is next on your list something else has been added. The demands on your time are unrealistic but you can’t stop, you don’t know how to!
Why can’t you stop?
Society’s expectations are such that you feel it is impossible to step off the roller coaster ride you are on.
Instead you just keep going. As individuals we want to be part of a community, we don’t want to be on the outside. So rather than saying no, you simply add more and more pressure on to your over loaded mind and body to keep in with your ‘tribe’… to not let anyone down!
Not only are you accepting of society’s expectations you also have your inner voice which is saying… you should be doing, you can’t slack, what will people think? It’s that voice which causes you to say yes, when really you want to say no. You don’t want to be judged as wanting; of not caring; of being selfish, you can’t possibly let that happen. What would happen if you did?
What would happen if you said no?
It’s doubtful you have ever thought about the consequences of saying no, however unconsciously your mind is thinking of all the problems it is likely to cause, and doesn’t allow you to believe it is okay to place yourself first, and take care of you, to give yourself breathing space.
Your conscious mind is only concerned about what others think? What are they going to say? They are probably going to be upset initially, but then they will find someone else to do it, or do it themselves.
When you stop listening to your inner voice and let go of expectations you find that life becomes easier.
How can you reduce your overwhelm?
- Set your boundaries – time is your most precious commodity, and as there is only a limited amount of time each day… decide what is important to you… such as working on your business for 3 days, and spending time with your children for 2 days then stick to your decision, don’t let yourself be sidetracked.
- You have the same amount of time as everyone else, don’t try and cram everything in and then spend time berating yourself because you didn’t get it all done. Remember you may think you are, but you are not superwoman!
- Start to plan your days, become aware of how much time you have to allocate to each task.
- What can you give up, that doesn’t serve you for your highest good? Often you will continue to be involved in someone long after you have realised you don’t enjoy their company or they are simply sucking your time and energy. As painful as it may be, letting go will give you more time and energy.
- Ask for help and delegate to others what you can, especially to your children, often you think you are being kind not getting them involved, but they will get a shock when they go into the world and realise there isn’t anyone there to serve them hand and foot. Give time back to yourself, by helping them be responsible for their own time.
- Stop saying yes to others, or being volunteered. Say no with no excuse why not, simply say NO! There is nothing wrong with saying no in fact it is essential you do. You don’t have to feel guilty, honour yourself. If you know it is something you don’t want to do, or don’t have the time for don’t take it on.
Whilst you may feel you are letting others down, you have to recognise you are just as important. You need to take control of your life, start loving you, and give yourself permission to look after you. You have one body, one life, don’t waste it through being stressed and overwhelmed.
Practice makes perfect, so start practicing putting yourself first for a change. Love you and take care of you!