After many decades of self-employment, I became a freelancer writer just a few months before.
Although I was aware of the uphill learning curve ahead, I felt that some stress would benefit me. It turned out that I was actually quite successful. studiesFor many reasons, some stress levels are healthy.
Now, let’s take a look at me after day one. I was so exhausted that I couldn’t get up to make a cup. My brain was in a mess.
The conversation between me and my husband went somewhat like this.
“What do you want for dinner?” he asked.
“I don’t know,” I answered. “Whatever.”
“Would you like a glass of wine?”
I nodded.
“Red or white?”
“Um, I don’t know.”
“Are you okay?”
I wasn’t okay. And I wasn’t just stressed out after a busy day. Completely overwhelmed. My body was completely still for hours. I watched television but didn’t see anything. I was completely disconnected from all the activities of my family and felt mute, frozen, and numb.
I had been excited about the opportunity to learn and grow, and I’ve never minded getting in a little over my head. But I’d taken in far more than I could digest for one day. Perhaps there should be a condition called “mental indigestion”, for that describes how I felt.
Overtime, I got the hang of this job, and the overwhelm shifted to something more manageable—something that I would simply label “stress.” In that state, I was able to make good decisions, know what I needed, ask for help, and communicate it all with effectiveness and clarity.
Overwhelm is another matter. You can’t “positive self-talk” your way out of this state. And you can’t follow through with any of the usual advice that applies when we’re stressed, such as delegate, prioritize, ask for help, or set boundaries.When you’re overwhelmed, you might also feel:
- Ungrounded
- Impossible to take decisions
- Incapable of thinking/seeing clearly
- Never forget
- Also available in a variety of formats
- You are disconnected from your intuition or heart center
When you’re overwhelmed, your mind is like a kite flying loose in the air, handle and all. Telling yourself to “calm down” or “do something” or whatever else you might say to yourself is akin to demanding the kite fly in a straight line.
There doesn’t seem like much you can do but hope that circumstances change. But, if you can at least find the wherewithal to identify that you’re in an overwhelmed state, you can bring that kite—and your mind—back down to earth.
Here’s how to start.
1. Make sure you have a secure space
A state of overwhelm does not allow you to make decisions that are important, such as about your relationships or job opportunities. It’s also not a good time to set boundaries, or speak your truth to someone. Because overwhelm can cause confusion in our brains and bodies. Also, your gut and heart will become disconnected from any decisions or words that you make. They might prove to be costly later.
Instead, it’s time to create a safe space for yourself, just as you would for an out-of-control toddler. This can be done by creating self care bookends which are irreversible habits.
Self-care bookends are a set of routines that you can follow every day. You don’t need them to be complex, lengthy, or extravagant. It doesn’t matter how busy your day is, they just need to be done regularly.
Some examples:
- Begin each morning with a gratitude practice (list out things you’re grateful for). Spend 15 minutes each evening being mindful.Breathing.
- Gentle stretching is a great way to start your day. Relaxation is a great way to end the day.
- Each morning, write down your goals and intentions. Relax and enjoy some soothing music to end your day.
(If you’re in a state of overwhelm and choosing from those three is too much to ask, do the last one.)
The idea is that even when you’re in a state of overwhelm during the day, there’s a place and time when it all comes to a stop. Your mind can’t travel further from your body. You just might find that you’ll be able to reach up and grab that handle.
Which time is best to make self-care booksends? Ideally, when you’re It is notIn a state that is overwhelming. That way, even when you’re zoned out from overwhelm, you simply move through your routine, as habitually as you would brush your teeth.
2. Use the Ayurvedic principle of “opposites heal”
Ayurveda (the science of self-healing) says overwhelm is an indication of an unbalanced Vata. Vata dosha, which is composed of Air and Ether is light and cool by nature.
You can apply the principle of Opposites Healing to bring you back in balance. You bring in warm, heavy and moist qualities. You can think of root vegetables and warm soups. Warm blankets are also a good idea. You will feel grounded and warm with these choices.
“The truth is that stress doesn’t come from your boss, your kids, your spouse, traffic jams, health challenges, or other circumstances. It comes from your thoughts about your circumstances.” ―Andrew Bernstein
3. Reducing sensory input
Overwhelm is a state of being “overloaded”—too much sensory input and not enough time to digest it all. There is no such thing as computers. Information cannot be stored on our bodies. You need to take time to understand and relax.
When you’re overwhelmed, it’s time to reduce the input through all five senses. Some examples:
- Try simple meals and foods over more complex dishes
- Eye: Dim the lights
- Sound: Avoid noisy or chaotic environments
- You can smell: Try essential oils for your bath or a favorite scent candle.
- Feel the warmth: Wear comfortable clothes or snuggle under warm blankets.
4. Take care of yourself
For those of us who consider ourselves strong and capable, it’s hard to ask for help. But now more than ever you would benefit from letting someone else take over for you—whether it’s ordering or making dinner, canceling an appointment on your behalf, or checking off some other small task to lighten the load.
5. Take care of yourself and be patient
When you’re in a state of overwhelm, be extra gentle with yourself. Don’t criticize yourself for not being able to make decisions, or for needing help. The very nature of being overwhelmed makes it nearly impossible to settle into your body—particularly the heart, gut, and emotional centers—where the best decisions and boundaries are known and can be communicated clearly and effectively.
Summary
Sometimes, you might find it difficult to overcome overwhelm. However, you can get your power back. You can use the Ayurvedic principle Opposites Heal to reduce sensory input, let others help and be patient and gentle with you.
You will notice a shift in your ability to think clearly day by day. Soon you’ll be able to identify the boundaries and decisions that need to made to lessen overwhelm.
The post 5 Things to Do When You’re Beyond Stressed first appeared on Addicted 2 Success.
The post 5 Things to Do When You’re Beyond Stressed appeared first on Addicted 2 Success.
