Feeling Lost?
In today’s fast paced world it seems that overwhelm is inevitable. Overwhelm create lack of focus, lack of clarity and lack of production. Let’s face it, lack in any of these areas will just create more overwhelm. It’s an unpleasant cycle.
If we don’t use tools to decrease overwhelm it can become more serious and lead into a multitude of physical and mental heath problems.
“A recent survey by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has found that 53 per cent of Canadians consider anxiety and depression an “epidemic.”
1 in 5 Canadians admitted to feeling stressed most of the time - In reality, I bet that number is higher.
Not to fill you with doom and gloom news but rather, I wanted to give 4 steps and mantras to combat overwhelm and potentially not become part of those rising stats.
Are you ready? Let’s jump right in!
Step #1 - Awareness & Acknowledge: Awareness is our first step to change. Be aware of how you are feeling and then acknowledge it. State out loud “In this moment I am feeling *insert choice of feeling here* (overwhelmed/ stressed/ angry etc). Do your best to simply state it as a fact, without judgment.
Acknowledging our feelings helps them settle down.
Mantra: In this moment I am willing to acknowledge my feelings.
Step # 2 - Present Moment: Bring yourself back to the present moment. They say that depression is when we live in the past and anxiety is when we live in the future. Being present is the only moment we truly have.
The easiest way to be present is to connect to the body through breath.
Breathe in s l o w l y and exhale s l o w l y.
Feel your breath as you inhale and feel your breath and body relax with the exhale.
Just observe it, no judgement, just observation.
Do this a 3-10 times.
Bonus tip: Breathe in desired feeling (peace) breathe out the undesired feeling (overwhelm).
Studies show that “Deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body. This is because when you breathe deeply, it sends a message to your brain to calm down and relax.”
Breathing also creates a space or a pause to take a step back and gain a different perspective. In this space it’s possible to make a new choice on how you want to feel.
Mantra: “We design our life by the actions we choose to take in the present moment.”
# 3 - Appreciation/ Gratitude: Appreciation & gratitude are the highest forms of vibrations and an effective way to reset our mind. Where focus goes, energy flows.
Ask yourself:
What are your grateful for in this moment?
What do you appreciate?
Who do you appreciate?
What did you do today that you are proud of?
Doing this practice is the quickest way to change our perspective and positive outcome even if our situation hasn’t changed.
Mantra: I can change my experience by changing my perspective. I embrace the attitude of gratitude.
# 4 - Self Care: We are our own worst critics so be gentle with yourself.
While going through change, transition and dealing with these strong emotions it is essential to have self care.
Examples of self care:
A walk in nature.
Decompress with a bath or book.
Carve out non-negotiable time for self or a hobby that brings you joy.
My favourite additional ways of self care:
Kitchen dance party!
Reset with a reiki treatment.
Receive coaching.
Coaching is a powerful tool for self care as it provides clarity. Through coaching decisions are made from a place of clarity, ease and integrity vs. from fear, stress or overwhelm. Overwhelm takes a hike where clarity is present.
Mantra: Everyday I make time for myself.
Share your biggest take away from this post below! And share with others as you never know who is silently struggling.
In gratitude,
Tania