5 Ways to cope with feeling overwhelmed
Feeling overwhelmed is something I hear a lot from clients. It’s also something that I have experienced many times in my life.
Modern life is busy - we are spinning so many plates with work, family, finances not to mention fitting time in to actually do a bit of exercise here and there and do that relaxing thing. There is nothing worse than being told do to ‘self care’ when you feel like you are going to implode with the pressures of life, so don’t worry I’m not going to do that. Instead, here are 5 practical tried and tested tips you can use to help cope with feeling overwhelmed.
1. Write a list
I know it sounds really basic. But getting a good old fashioned pen and paper out and decanting out your brain is not only therapeutic - but it helps you see in black and white exactly what you need to do, rather than your mind running wild. When you write down your to do list get really clear on when you actually need to do get things done by. Again, we can run wild in our heads putting unnecessary pressure on ourselves. Get it all out on paper and then you can make a plan.
2.Plan out each week
Again nothing revolutionary here. But consciously spending 20 minutes on a Sunday planning out your diary for the week can really help reduce down the stress. Put in your appointments, but then plan out when you are going to actually get things done. Block out time for working on specific items, or doing things such as the cleaning. This helps you get realistic about your time and stops you from panicking about when you are going to get the time to do things.
3. How can you make things easier for yourself?
Look at your diary and lists and really think about how you can make things easier for yourself. This might be saying no to social commitments that you don’t really want to go to. Or it could be as simple as arranging for the weekly food shop to be delivered rather than you traipsing round Tesco on a Sunday with everyone else. Look at what you can control and do what you can to make this as easy as possible for yourself. Let go of everything else.
4. Boundaries, Boundaries, Boundaries!
Boundaries are so important when it comes to feeling less overwhelmed. Boundaries are how we teach others how to treat us. So think about where you are letting people get away with things, or saying yes to things when you really mean no. Get really good at only saying yes to things that you really want to do, its not selfish, it means you have more energy for the things you do want to do and spending time with those you love and care about.
5. Get outside
Ok there had to be a bit of self care in here. One thing I absolutely swear by when I feel overwhelmed is getting my trainers on, grabbing Evie the dog and going for a walk. It only has to be a quick 10 minutes if you are short on time, but getting out and away from the stresses of life can do wonders for your stress levels. Being out in nature can help put things into perspective too. Having a dog means I have to get out every day, but even if you don’t have a four legged mate, a quick whizz around the block in the evening will help clear your mind and help you feel less overwhelmed.
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