5 Ways to Avoid Overwhelm and Live Your Life Happily
Did this ever happen to you? You got so behind in your work that you started to panic, you couldn't think straight, and you felt out of control - felt angry and frustrated at yourself and everyone around you, you felt mentally and physically exhausted? Many of us experience that from time to time, and we know it's not a particularly pleasant experience, and it's definitely one that we would love to avoid.
You know it doesn't have to be that way, don't you? The great news is that, more often than not, you can have full control of overwhelm and exhaustion.
Why? Because most of the time you know it's coming.
You get subtle or not so subtle signals from your mind and body before you go into a full blown exhaustion feeling.
The trick is to recognise the signs.
But, if you are far too busy to recognise them here are 7 ways you can stop yourself from becoming exhausted in the first place and remain motivated to do what you set yourself to do: 1.
Take a few deep breaths Deep breathing does not only benefit your mind, but it also works wonders for your body.
Take about 5 deep breaths in through your nose and fully exhale out through your mouth.
This will help to balance and energise you mentally and physically.
Do that every 30 minutes or so.
This will keep you in a state of calm and level headedness.
You will remain relaxed and focused.
2.
Step back and walk away When you sense overwhelm or exhaustion beginning to surface immediately step back and walk away from what you are working on.
This way you will calm down mentally and physically.
You may even shake your body for 2 to 3 minutes.
There's nothing wrong with taking a break.
In fact, it is recommended that you take a 5 minute break every 30 to 45 minutes of continuous work.
If you do that alone, you won't even get to the point of feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
When you feel you have calmed down and you are able to refocus, slowly make your way back to your task.
3.
Leave pride be Many people suffer from what I call "pride-itis".
They would rather spend hour after hour on something trying to figure it out rather than asking someone for help.
Can you imagine how frustrating that can be? Before you get overwhelmed and start to get frustrated and exhausted, get some help.
I suffered from "pride-itis" for years, actually decades, until I finally woke up and realised it was not doing me any good.
Ask for help.
Go ahead and call a friend, a colleague, whoever.
Just do it and you will side-step the overwhelm and exhaustion problem.
The helper may put you back on track, share with you a different point of view, or at least he or she may give you a deserved break and a laugh.
Even that helps.
4.
Go home and have a bath Are you a shower or foam bath person? Whichever one it is, make use of it.
A hot shower is fantastically relaxing and rejuvenating, and so is a foam bath - with or without aromatherapy candles.
Your choice.
5.
Have a drink And no, no alcohol.
By have a drink I mean have a hot herbal drink, such as Chamomile while in bed or watching a relaxing TV programme or movie.
Avoid the topic that has overwhelmed you in the first place.
Do not discuss it with your friend, spouse, partner or anyone.
Relax and be free of tension, overwhelm and exhaustion.
Take care of yourself, your mind and body.
If you're not feeling up to it, chill, relax and get back to work.
You're of no good to yourself or others if you are overwhelmed, exhausted and cannot cope, are you? Feel fantastic and you will be motivated to take action to accomplish much more, have greater success and you can go home early - or on time.
You know it doesn't have to be that way, don't you? The great news is that, more often than not, you can have full control of overwhelm and exhaustion.
Why? Because most of the time you know it's coming.
You get subtle or not so subtle signals from your mind and body before you go into a full blown exhaustion feeling.
The trick is to recognise the signs.
But, if you are far too busy to recognise them here are 7 ways you can stop yourself from becoming exhausted in the first place and remain motivated to do what you set yourself to do: 1.
Take a few deep breaths Deep breathing does not only benefit your mind, but it also works wonders for your body.
Take about 5 deep breaths in through your nose and fully exhale out through your mouth.
This will help to balance and energise you mentally and physically.
Do that every 30 minutes or so.
This will keep you in a state of calm and level headedness.
You will remain relaxed and focused.
2.
Step back and walk away When you sense overwhelm or exhaustion beginning to surface immediately step back and walk away from what you are working on.
This way you will calm down mentally and physically.
You may even shake your body for 2 to 3 minutes.
There's nothing wrong with taking a break.
In fact, it is recommended that you take a 5 minute break every 30 to 45 minutes of continuous work.
If you do that alone, you won't even get to the point of feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
When you feel you have calmed down and you are able to refocus, slowly make your way back to your task.
3.
Leave pride be Many people suffer from what I call "pride-itis".
They would rather spend hour after hour on something trying to figure it out rather than asking someone for help.
Can you imagine how frustrating that can be? Before you get overwhelmed and start to get frustrated and exhausted, get some help.
I suffered from "pride-itis" for years, actually decades, until I finally woke up and realised it was not doing me any good.
Ask for help.
Go ahead and call a friend, a colleague, whoever.
Just do it and you will side-step the overwhelm and exhaustion problem.
The helper may put you back on track, share with you a different point of view, or at least he or she may give you a deserved break and a laugh.
Even that helps.
4.
Go home and have a bath Are you a shower or foam bath person? Whichever one it is, make use of it.
A hot shower is fantastically relaxing and rejuvenating, and so is a foam bath - with or without aromatherapy candles.
Your choice.
5.
Have a drink And no, no alcohol.
By have a drink I mean have a hot herbal drink, such as Chamomile while in bed or watching a relaxing TV programme or movie.
Avoid the topic that has overwhelmed you in the first place.
Do not discuss it with your friend, spouse, partner or anyone.
Relax and be free of tension, overwhelm and exhaustion.
Take care of yourself, your mind and body.
If you're not feeling up to it, chill, relax and get back to work.
You're of no good to yourself or others if you are overwhelmed, exhausted and cannot cope, are you? Feel fantastic and you will be motivated to take action to accomplish much more, have greater success and you can go home early - or on time.
