Feeling stressed is overwhelming. Breathing becomes harder, productivity diminishes and you don’t know where to turn.
You know the feeling. You’re spinning a few too many plates, without the time or clarity to make any real progress.
We need to find ways to not only survive, but thrive. When utilised, stress can be a wonderful tool to lead a healthy fulfilling life.
Each time we lose focus on what the task at hand is, our reaction is different. But what if we could notice when stress is creeping in? Or even better, what if we could identify ways to feel more at ease when it does present itself?
We’ve all been through those moments of overwhelm. Our emotions feel amplified and anything and everything could set us off.
It’s a lose lose situation because nothing gets done and there is a sense of despair.
Bring your awareness to your breath. Try taking some deep breaths and release the tension.
1. One step at a time –
In the height of our emotions, it can be difficult to focus on anything, let alone the piling to do list.
Prioritise what is most important and focus your attention on that one single task.
This doesn’t mean spending all day every day on the task until it’s done. Try putting time aside for one task and vice versa for the next task. This allows us to give one task our undivided attention and do whatever it is well.
Complete it with purpose.
Schedule in time for each important task and give yourself regular breaks.
Put one foot in front of the other.
Just keeping.
2. Take time for yourself –
Switch off, move away from whatever work you’re doing and be present. Do something you enjoy.
Move your body, cook up a nice meal, read a book, catch up with a friend, whatever it is, be in the moment.
Create space for yourself away from a screen. Away from whatever is making you feel overwhelmed. Spend some time doing things you love.
You are more likely to come back to the task and feel more grounded and have increased focus.
Taking care of yourself is productive.
3. Setting boundaries –
Be aware of your own personal boundaries.
Understand that your own wellbeing is a priority. When planning ahead, take into consideration how you can foster that. This will allow more time for you.
That might mean saying no, to a catch up or a favour. It is a lot easier said than done to say no, but reframing it to not right now might take some of the load off.
Set yourself up in the best way you can.’
Stress can creep upon us and make life a little crazy. But it is our perspective and mindset that creates the outcome.
How you react is the tool within your control. Be aware of how you are feeling and start to find your own ways of feeling at ease when stress arises.
Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you don’t have to (and cannot) be in control of everything in your life.