3 Ways to Ease Overwhelm

Many of us have been on an adrenaline-fueled ride of juggling work, homeschooling, caring for children and/or parents, and learning a new way to live while trying to stay clean and eat a decent meal. 

So much to do.

So much to think about.

The fear of dropping a ball.

The adrenaline rush. 

Overwhelm. 

Adrenaline works for an immediate threat, like a lion in the woods, but it’s a terrible fuel for your brain and overall well-being. And, in the long run, it will lead to burnout. 

And, I’m gonna tell you something you already know, this is not a short-term deal. We’ve been in it for seven weeks, and there’s no clear end in sight. Speed and adrenaline are unsustainable.  

Let’s address the overwhelm with some ease. Here are three ways to help ease overwhelm: 

1. Build-in SLOWNESS:
   Slowness is the sustainable fuel for your brain and overall well-being. Take a sticky note and write SLOW on it and put it on your bathroom mirror, fridge, and computer as a reminder to slow down and breathe. By SLOWING DOWN, you’re telling your mind and body that you’re safe. You're safe to think big-picture. Safe to problem solve. Safe to prioritize. Safe to breathe slowly. Safe to eat. Safe to digest your food. Safe to go slow. 
    

1. Turn off ALL DEVICES:
   You may not realize it, but that phone, computer, and TV might have a hold on your brain and be influencing you to feel afraid and overwhelmed. Pick a time (½ hour, let’s say) and TURN IT ALL OFF. If you can, go for a walk outside and leave everything -- even your watch -- at home. It’s like having a digital cleanse. 
    

2. Tell yourself “THAT'S ALRIGHT”:
   So, you dropped a ball. You forgot about a meeting. Your kid didn’t do their school work. You’re making peanut butter and jelly for dinner. That’s alright. That’s alright. That’s alright. What we need most right now is self-kindness, self-compassion, and self-love. Tell yourself “that’s alright” at every turn. Get out the sticky notes again and write “THAT'S ALRIGHT” reminders on your bathroom mirror, the fridge, on your desk -- wherever you need them. 
    

DON’T DO ALL OF THESE. Unless it feels amazing to do all three, CHOOSE ONE that’s calling your name and try practicing it this week. That's it. Just ONE.  

And be easy on yourself. You've been overwhelmed. That's alright.