So many things to do, so little time… or just the thought of the amount of work required to do one task… ughhh! It all makes us feel overwhelmed.
When we feel overwhelmed we think and think about how much we have to do, and end up not getting much done.
Whilst “overwhelm” happens to the best of us, we don’t have to live in a state of “overwhelm”. So, overcome this sense of “overwhelm” and get out of this habit. How, you might ask?
1. Challenge the belief that we achieve more under stress. Understand that the feeling of being overwhelmed clouds the mind, stopping any problem-solving or clear thinking. We might think that the energy of stress is stimulating us but, in fact, it’s temporary and when it’s over we feel drained.
2. Calm Down. Try these simple 2 minute exercises to calm your mind and return back to a place of relaxation. (Give it a go and let us know how it works. We definitely want to hear back!)
• Focus on your breathing. Relax all the muscles, from the top of your head right down to the tip of your toes.
• Think: I am calm! Create a feeling of calm. Feel it, and take that feeling of calm into your day.
• Sit back, reconnect with the present moment and just be.
• Take yourself (your mind) on a quick holiday. Visualise yourself near the water, enjoy the sea, the breeze and come back feeling refreshed.
3. Put things into perspective. “Overwhelmed” happens when we call what we have to do “overwhelming.” Have a good look at your to-do list – I bet there’s no such task that’s titled ‘overwhelm’. Imagine a dog saying, “I have to walk, sniff, eat, pooh and guard the house all day long. It’s all so overwhelming.” Rethink: I have exactly what I need; to do what there is to do. I have exactly the amount of time that I need.
4. Simply simplify the to-do list. Prioritise what needs to be done first. Break the task down into small steps. Put a time limit on each step. And finally, finish the task to completion.
This blog is part of “The A – Z Challenge”, shifting one negative habit a week into a positive. For more info on the challenge, click here: https://www.innerspace.org.uk/challenges/a-z-challenge.php
