How I Deal with Overwhelm
As someone who has experienced their fair share of overwhelming situations, I've learned that life can sometimes throw more our way than we feel capable of handling. Whether it's the pressure of juggling responsibilities at work, maintaining relationships, or simply dealing with unexpected challenges, overwhelm is an all-too-familiar emotion. Today, I want to share my personal strategies for dealing with overwhelm, hoping they might resonate with you too.
Embrace Self-Compassion: When overwhelmed, it's easy to fall into the trap of self-criticism and feeling like we should be doing better. I've found that practising self-compassion is essential during these moments. Instead of berating myself for not having everything figured out, I take a deep breath and remind myself that it's okay not to be perfect. We are all human, after all, and navigating through overwhelming times is a part of life's journey.
Break It Down: When facing a mountain of tasks and responsibilities, it's easy to feel paralyzed by the sheer magnitude of it all. My solution? Break it down! I take a moment to list all the tasks at hand, prioritize them, and then tackle them one by one. This approach not only helps me organize my thoughts but also gives me a sense of accomplishment with each completed task, making the overwhelm more manageable.
Seek Support: It's crucial to remember that we don't have to navigate overwhelming situations alone. Reach out to friends, family, or even a trusted colleague. Sharing your feelings and struggles with someone you trust can provide the comfort and encouragement you need. Don't underestimate the power of a listening ear or a supportive hug.
Create "Me" Time: In the midst of chaos, it's essential to carve out time for yourself. Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation can help rejuvenate your spirit and provide a fresh perspective. For me, it might be taking a walk in nature, reading a book, or practicing meditation. Whatever it is that brings you joy, make sure to set aside time for it regularly.
Learn to Say "No": As a recovering people-pleaser, saying "no" used to be challenging for me. However, I realized that spreading myself too thin only contributed to my overwhelm. Nowadays, I am more selective about the commitments I take on. Learning to say "no" to tasks or activities that do not align with my priorities has been empowering, allowing me to focus on what truly matters.
EDIT: One thing I figured out today that REALLY helped me with the chest heaviness, I can't breathe well kinda overwhelm was putting on Linkin Park music on loud and singing with it while I finish my tasks for the day. Sometimes, you just need to release all that energy building up inside you. Try it (You can choose your own favourite band to jam with) :P
Remember, dealing with overwhelm is not a one-size-fits-all journey. What works for me might not work for everyone, and that's perfectly okay. The key is to experiment with different strategies and find what resonates with you the most. It's all about finding your balance and being kind to yourself along the way.
If you find yourself facing overwhelm, take a step back, breathe, and remember that you are capable of navigating through it. Embrace your unique journey, and don't hesitate to seek support when needed. You've got this!
Wishing you a life filled with resilience and inner strength. If you wish to work on managing your emotions better, book a 1:1 coaching call with me using: https://theayushimathur.mojo.page/coaching-call