Beating Overwhelm at Its Own Game: Strategies for Taking Control
OVERWHELM.... can feel like a tidal wave hitting your soul paralysing you in a flash. Overwhelm - caused by stressors that are perceived as greater than our coping abilities - is something everyone experiences at one point or another. It also is not confined to any one area of your life. In today's episode, we're diving deep into the topic of overwhelm—specifically, how to beat it at its own game and regain control of your life.
Understanding the Overwhelm Block:
It's not uncommon to find ourselves stuck before even starting something new, and more often than not, overwhelm is the culprit. In this episode, we'll explore the definition of overwhelm, where the perceived stress outweighs our coping abilities, becoming a barrier to progress.
Breaking it Down:
The first step in overcoming overwhelm is to identify what is causing it. We'll discuss the importance of awareness, recognising signs, and acknowledging feelings as crucial elements in this process. By distilling overwhelming situations, we can gain a clearer perspective on the entire picture.
Practical Strategies:
We'll share actionable techniques to create distance, both emotionally and physically, from overwhelming situations. Grounding exercises like the 5-4-3-2-1 method, gratitude lists, or connecting with loved ones can provide a much-needed shift in perspective. Journaling becomes a powerful tool to analyse and prioritise tasks, enabling effective delegation or seeking support when needed.
Taking Control:
Understanding what is within your control and what isn't empowers you to make informed decisions. We'll discuss the importance of distraction, suggesting activities like calling a friend, playing with a pet, or enjoying a good laugh through comedy. Additionally, we'll explore the impact of posture and breathing on your mindset.
Setting Boundaries and Letting Go:
Setting boundaries, both with yourself and others, is a key aspect of overcoming overwhelm. We'll delve into the concept that you are not defined by your goals or the overwhelm itself. Learn how to avoid the trap of perfectionism and recognise when 'good' is truly good enough.
Self-Care as a Lifeline:
As we wrap up, we'll emphasise the significance of practising self-care. We'll explore how questioning your desires and evaluating their costs can lead to more intentional living. Remember, you are deserving of taking care of yourself.
Conclusion:
Join us as we embark on this journey to beat overwhelm at its own game. By implementing these strategies, you can reclaim control, finding balance and peace in the midst of life's challenges. Stay tuned for more empowering episodes on The Next Level You. Thanks for listening!
Recap Perfectionism in Episode 2 -> https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ZGSZSi5PDDMdFxpaI9jGp?si=BJ5HHDVJRdm02LhbgJ2ZLw
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See you on the inside :)
Jaime x