Are you noticing you feel overwhelmed at times ?
It can be hard to know where to start, or starting one thing before finishing another. Either can feel overwhelming !
As we bring April to a close, let’s reflect on the stress awareness messages that might be helpful to consider when managing the overwhelm.
Little by little
Taking consistent, small positive actions was the theme this year. It is important to remember to take things one step at a time. Perhaps a good start is to step away even for a short amount of time. This allows space to see what can be stopped, reduced, or given to someone else.
Stress relief
Making time for self-care is a good counter-balance for stress. This could be going for a walk, playing a sport, exercising, spending time with your pet, playing games, being creative through art, reading. I share a bit more on self care and suggest some self care activities here Self care activities – Counselling with Sarah
Taking a break
Taking a break is essential to recharge energy levels. This could be time away, allowing a few minutes for some silence to calm the body, sitting down with a cuppa. Making sure you have regular breaks and holidays booked in helps to manage time and recharge at regular intervals.
Limiting what you take on
Are you trying to take on too much ?
If you are saying ‘yes’ when you want to say ‘no’ then it is likely you are doing something to please someone other than you.
It is helpful to think about what you want to take on and how you might be able to say ‘no’ to things you don’t.
If you are struggling to say no to something you don’t want to do it is worth remembering, every time you say ‘yes’ to someone else you are saying ‘no’ to yourself.
Listen to your body
Are you aware of the signs of stress ?
Our bodies often have subtle ways of letting us know we are under pressure. This could be things such as tension, IBS, headaches, skin irritation.
Do you wish things felt different ?
When overwhelmed it is not uncommon to feel stuck or frozen as it feels difficult to know where to start, or perhaps you start lots of things but not see them through. This can lead to feeling stressed and quite often then become critical of yourself.
It can be helpful to consider what is holding you back.
❓Have you taken on too much
❓You didn’t like to say ‘no’
❓Everyone else seems to be able to do it, why can’t I
❓You can’t sit and rest there is too much to do
If any of this sounds familiar, then I can help. I work with people to understand that they are important too and together we can look at how to find a better balance in life.
I can be contacted via email [email protected]