Whenever we get overwhelmed from too much work, our natural tendency is to either get stuck (or freeze), to try to escape (or flee) or to get angry (the fight response). None of these is effective to take us forward in a positive manner.
But, what can we do instead?
- Stop and breathe. I’ve learnt that the first thing I need, is to make sure that I am not triggered, but instead to get myself to think with my intellectual or creative brain. To stop, to take a big breath or quick break or walk, whatever it takes to get oxygen to flow to my creative brain, so that I can go forward with my higher thinking abilities fully operational. And I need to go back to doing this whenever I feel the feelings of overwhelm return. I need to stay in my creative brain.
- Brain dump. The next thing is to write down everything that is causing your feelings of overwhelm. What are those things you need to get done in your work, family and personal life? Just dump everything to get them out of your brain, captured for follow-up in an orderly manner. You’ll already start feeling better.
- Make a list. Now, plan what you need to do next, or next week, or next month, or next year. Prioritize. There may be items that can go on a list called ‘Some Day Maybe’ and there may even be items that you decide you do not need to do at all!
With these easy steps in place, you will feel so much more in control. You will be in charge of your feelings of overwhelm and soon you will start to experience the feelings of joy!
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