2020 was a year y'all. And if I am being honest 2021 hasn't made me feel warm and fuzzy yet. Also, as I have become old(er) and wise(er) and am fully embracing adulting, I am beginning to think life is just one moment of overwhelm followed by a new moment of overwhelm. Anyone else? Not that life is all gloom and doom, not at all, I have totally learned to dance with it.
I have concluded that there's just no escaping these feelings because I am committed to doing big things, and scary things, and unknown things. This is the trade off. Good news, it has created a life better than my wildest dreams. And it can for you too. More good news, you can change HOW to handle the overwhelm just by changing your thoughts.
Right now I am navigating ALL THE THINGS: moving, building a new house, picking out a preschool (registration reminds me of the hunger games), starting an Amazon business with my husband, starting a drop shipping business with my bestie, keeping three tiny humans alive, well + kind, trying to plan for a 4th baby, renovating an RV, running a six figure coaching biz, building and launching a new program and course, oh yeah and trying to avoid the Rona and take care of myself by exercising 5 times a week and eating healthy - ALL THE THINGS.
When I am feeling overwhelmed here's what I do:
Reframe my thoughts
I can't change my circumstance - these are just the facts of my life right now. But I can change my thoughts and feelings and actions with the circumstances.
Move my body
In whatever way feels best to you! Walking, yoga, crossfit, boxing, running - we want that endorphin release!
Fill my head with positivity
This could be a book, a YouTube video, a podcast, an audiobook.
Disconnect from social media
Seriously, when you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, nothing good comes from the scroll. Nothing.
Brain Dump onto a physical piece of paper
Write out every single thing that's occupying space in your brain. EVERY SINGLE THING. Get it outta your head and onto paper.
Drink a huge glass of water
Make it fancy if you want to - add a lemon, put it in a wine glass, I know this sounds silly but I promise you it will spark joy! Plus, your brain works best when its hydrated. #science
Ask for help!
I can not emphasize the importance of this enough. Tell everyone in your life (team, husband, parents, sister, kids, the cashier at target) exactly how you're feeling - ACCEPT THEIR HELP!
Attack the list
Now that you know WHAT the list is, and have some support from those in your life start GSD. Prioritize, divide and conquer. I throw things in Asana and LOVE seeing that happy unicorn fly across my screen when I cross something off my to do list.
Find 5 things to be grateful for
Just finding five things to be thankful for will totally change your perspective!
Rest
I know this sounds counterintuitive but it's actually NO help sacrificing your sleep, or cancelling family time, or bailing on that lunch you have scheduled with a friend. Letting your overwhelm consume you 24/7 won't help - I promise!
This is my tried and true plan of attack any time I feel that overwhelm coming over me. Is there anything you'd add to the list? Let me know!
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