07 - Where to start when overwhelmed
At the peak of my love for corporate life, I had a saying for myself, “if you’ve bitten off more than you can chew, chew faster”. I surfed a wave between boredom and overwhelm, preferring to have a finger in every pie and having a pile of exciting projects to dive into. It was fun, and stimulating… until I burnt out. In the past being overwhelmed meant there was no time for “health stuff”, there was only “work and family obligation”. Now I see overwhelm as a red flag for my health, and I respond differently. Here’s my take.
Drop your bundle
If you’ve dropped your bundle – leave it dropped. Take some time to re-examine what you pick up again. Not everything has to be yours to fix or do. Create a little space in your mind for taking care of your health by letting go of the things that crept in without you noticing, and the things that no longer have to be done or offer you meaning.
Rewrite your to-do list
Make a list of what’s your responsibility. Decide what doesn’t have to happen and stop. Of what’s left, see what can be automated. Then, what can be delegated. Then, what can be made simpler. Then, what can be made more joyful. Hopefully, when you’ve finished your list will be not only simpler, but will feel more appealing too.
Take care of your nervous system
Take care of your nervous system and mental/ emotional health. Overwhelm may be a part of a trauma, anxiety or depression response. Prioritise the tools that nurture your emotional wellbeing. Taking a break to meditate, journal or garden (or other tools that serve you) may provide you with a moment of head space that strengthens you. When you can, take stock of where the overwhelm is coming from and what changes need to be made.
Remove obstacles to health
Remove obvious obstacles to health. Sometimes when we’re overwhelmed, adding a bunch of new health habits isn’t feasible. It can take too much head space to plan new foods and exercise routines. If this feels hard, but you want to improve your health, begin by removing something that gets in the way. Stop having a glass of wine after work. Don’t buy that soft drink. Give up snacking at night. Stop staying up to watch TV or browse the internet or work - go to bed (I’m talking to myself here). Sometimes removing something in our way opens up space for new better things.
Get support
Get support. Feeling overwhelmed can make it seem like we have to face a huge mountain on our own. But supports are out there. Whether you ask your family, friends or colleagues or seek out a counsellor, naturopath or pilates instructor – there is someone who can make this easier for you. You don’t need to climb this on your own.
One way or another your load can be lightened, your nervous system nurtured and your path forward guided and supported. Taking just a tiny action on any of the above that resonate for you can be the start of a virtuous cycle. If seeing a naturopath is on your plan, book your discovery call here and we can walk this path together.