Riding the Wave: How I Show Up for Myself When Overwhelm Hits
Hey there,
Can we just talk about overwhelm for a minute? It's that feeling when life throws one too many curveballs your way, and suddenly you're left juggling more plates than you can handle. Sound familiar? Yeah, me too.
Here's the thing – overwhelm is a sneaky little monster that likes to creep up on us when we least expect it. Whether it's deadlines at work, family obligations, or just the general chaos of everyday life, there are moments when it feels like I'm drowning in a sea of to-dos.
But here's the kicker – how we respond to overwhelm is what truly matters. So, I wanted to share some of the ways I show up for myself when the waves of overwhelm come crashing down:
Take a Breather: When overwhelm hits, the first thing I do is give myself permission to take a step back. I'll find a quiet corner, close my eyes, and take a few deep breaths. It's amazing how just a few moments of mindfulness can help calm the storm raging inside.
Break It Down: Overwhelm often stems from feeling like there's too much to do and not enough time to do it. So, I break down my tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, I focus on one thing at a time. It's amazing how much more achievable things feel when you take them one step at a time.
Reach Out for Support: One of the biggest mistakes I used to make when feeling overwhelmed was trying to go it alone. But here's the thing – we're not meant to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders all by ourselves. So, I reach out to friends, family, or a trusted colleague for support. Sometimes all it takes is a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on to make the burden feel a little lighter.
Do Something That Brings Joy: In the midst of overwhelm, it's easy to forget about the things that bring us joy. So, I make a conscious effort to do something – no matter how small – that brings a smile to my face. Whether it's going for a walk, listening to my favorite music, or indulging in a sweet treat, taking time for myself reminds me that life is about more than just checking things off a to-do list.
Practice Self-Compassion: Last but certainly not least, I remind myself that it's okay to not be okay. We're all human, and we're bound to feel overwhelmed from time to time. So instead of beating myself up for not having it all together, I practice self-compassion. I remind myself that I'm doing the best I can with what I have, and that's more than enough.
So there you have it – my go-to strategies for showing up for myself when overwhelm comes knockin'. Remember, you're not alone in this, and it's okay to ask for help when you need it. So take a deep breath, take it one step at a time, and know that brighter days are ahead.
