Hi {{ first_name }},
I don’t want to overwhelm you with this, but do you feel overwhelmed a lot? If I gave you an exhaustive list of what creates feelings of overwhelm in people, just reading the list could overwhelm you!
So…let’s not do that, shall we?
Feeling overwhelmed is very common. Each day brings with it a new set of potentially adverse events, missed timings, and piling on of responsibilities and tasks that anyone is at risk of overwhelm several times in the day. Everyone, especially those with anxiety or depression, can take a deep emotional dive when overwhelm hits.
Does it help you, even just a little bit, to know that it’s common, human, and normal to feel overwhelmed? Would it help you, even just a little bit, to know what’s happening in your brain that makes you feel so stuck? Because you’re not stuck, your brain is just blind to the possibilities at hand that can help tame the overwhelming feelings.
First, the amygdala fires up the “fight or flight” physiology, meaning short, sharp breaths, higher heart rate, and instinctive, survival-based, pattern-led responses.
Next, the brain quits communicating with itself normally, sort of like a computer crash, so you have a harder time understanding what’s going on around you.
Then, you often experience sensory overload. If you snap or yell at a person when you’re feeling overwhelmed, sensory overload is the problem. You simply had too much information coming at you that your brain couldn’t process, and you reached the end of your emotional rope.
Knowing that’s what’s happening inside your noggin helps you understand why overwhelm feels so bad, right? Good, because understanding is the beginning of solving any problem. Being overwhelmed is simply a decision-making problem, and problems can be solved.
Decide to make fewer decisions. Do this now, while you’re not overwhelmed, by creating routines that package tasks together, like deciding on the next day’s wardrobe and making the next day’s lunch as soon as you finish cleaning up after dinner each evening.
Take a break and go outside when the stress level is ramping up. Fresh air and no roof over your head helps lower the stress level.
For big problems that you can’t stop thinking about, distract yourself with a movie, book, or other immersive experience.
Stop “what-iffing” yourself into stagnation. Make a decision and then make that decision work for you. You can always make another decision later if you need to. Trust yourself and just go with what feels right.
If you need more information, get it. Now. Procrastination is not your friend when you’re stressing over a decision.
Get advice, support, and professional help if you need it. Asking for help is strong, not weak. When you ask someone else for help, not only do you get help, the person you asked gets the satisfaction of being of assistance to you. That’s a nice gift to give someone, isn’t it?
For a bit more inspiration, check out these three episodes of the world’s second-shortest podcast, Wellbeing Wisdom Tiny Bites. It’s designed to inform you without overwhelming you.
Too much on your to-do list? Here’s a Tiny Bite for that!
Feeling overwhelmed by stress? Here’s a Tiny Bite for that!
Need one simple tool to ease overwhelm? Here’s a Tiny Bite for that!
Today, take hold of your mental wellbeing. Take ownership of your stress level. Take responsibility for making decisions that help you feel more in control and far less overwhelmed.
Save this information and re-read it the next time you’re feeling overwhelm sneaking up on you, because in these few paragraphs, you have the tools to take back control of your day and of your life.
Wags,
Sandy Weaver
The Voice of Wagaliciousness
PS...want more? Subscribe to the Mind, Body, Soul Sessions podcast, a weekly mental spa treatment for your total self! #podcast #success #leader #lawofattraction #personaldevelopment #mentalwellbeing