How to Keep from Being Overwhelmed
As I write this article, I am feeling overwhelmed. How ironic that I am feeling the exact way that I want to help YOU avoid feeling. Does my admission make you wonder whether these tips will prove efficacious? Have you ever heard the phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”? Well, these tips below are my tried and true advice for alleviating stress and remaining as level-headed as possible, especially through holidays and routine botching incidents. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I have go-to options in my “oh my goodness, how will I ever make it through this season of life” arsenal that work. These options work really well in fact! However, I find that when I’m feeling overwhelmed, my memory gets cloudy and my self-discipline is lacking. I start to feel sorry for myself. I crave my routine and sense of normalcy that has eluded me for whatever reason. It is in times like this that I have to focus on what I CAN control and not what I CAN’T control.
10 Tips to Keep From Becoming Overwhelmed (in no particular order):
1. Communicate effectively. Making sure your wants and needs, as well as the wants and needs of others, are understood can greatly reduce unnecessary stress.
2. Know your limits and don’t apologize for them. Don’t over commit yourself. If you find that you have, changing your mind is okay.
3. Challenge yourself. I try to stretch myself weekly. This may be as small as going to the vet with your baby and dog ALONE. This may not sound scary to you, but I will admit, this scenario was daunting to me. Alas, I succeeded, and my confidence was boosted.
4. Relax. For me, this means doing something that will re-energize me in some way. If my daughter is sleeping, this means taking a hot bath, reading a great book, painting my nails, sitting outside and talking on the phone, etc. If my daughter is awake and I need a dose of sanity, I may let her play in her exersaucer or pack n play for a while so that I can get stuff done. This way, I guarantee that my time at night (after she is in bed) will not be devoted to chores but relaxation instead! This most definitely will help lessen my anxiety and increase my feeling of sanity which in turn promotes relaxation!
5. Think ahead. Anticipate potential conflicts and be proactive in mentally preparing for possibly needed solutions that will not compromise your limits or beliefs. Preparing ahead of time can prevent anxiety from creeping in.
6. Accept help when it’s offered. Need I say more? #ainttooproudtobeg
7. Spend time with Jesus. Don’t make this more complicated than it has to be. You can sit quietly with Jesus while you drink coffee in the morning. You can journal prayers to Jesus during your lunch break. Pick a scenario that works for you and try to be consistent.
8. Take inventory of your expectations of yourself and others. Adjust if and when necessary.
9. Slow down. I have noticed that I clinch my teeth a lot, and it’s because I feel like I’m always in a rush. I am learning that I have to MAKE myself slow down. When I take my time doing things, I usually only have to do them once instead of twice because I screwed up while in a hurry. This, obviously, wards off an impending feeling of being overwhelmed.
10. Don’t accept responsibility when someone tries to make their problem yours. Set healthy boundaries when necessary. Always use discernment and be respectful regarding this point. As a follower of Christ, you may be called to many things, but one thing is certain–you are NOT called to be a doormat.
I hope that you employ some of these tips in 2015! Happy New Year!
How do you combat becoming overwhelmed?
Lauren
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