Adulting can be really overwhelming and trying to keep up with school, work, paying bills, family and friends drama, etc can be hard sometimes. The fact that we constantly have to figure all this out can be emotionally draining.
It can be difficult to juggle all of your responsibilities at the same time. Our usual response to increasing workloads is to work harder and put in longer hours, rather than taking a step back and trying to figure out what is making us feel the way we are feeling and trying a new approach to get things done. It’s important to bare in mind that you can always revisit your self-care plan when you begin to feel overwhelmed.
Some of the cognitive impact of continuously feeling overwhelmed include
- Mental sluggishness
- Forgetfulness
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking logically
- Racing thoughts
- Difficulty solving problem.
When we have a lot on our mind over an extended period of time, cognitive fatigue can occur. This can make us more exposed to distractions. This can make us less effective and leave us feeling even more overwhelmed.
Feeling overwhelmed is not an enjoyable feeling and it happens to everyone at some point. If you are feeling constantly feeling this way, here are a few tips to try:
1. Figure out why you are feeling overwhelmed:
Some time ago, I tried to apply for visa but the process was taking too long and getting very stressful and complicated. I slept and woke up mentally stressed and with a heavy heart. Then I decided to stop the process, for a bit until I figure out an easier route. Trust me, that felt like one of the best decisions I have ever made, i felt a lot better and more at peace.
Ask yourself the question, “What one or two things, if taken off my life right now would make me feel lighter and less stressed. While a few times you might not have an immediate solution or any solution at all to this problems but once you figure them out, you can identify the source of your stress and find ways to tackle them. The mere fact that you are aware of them gives you an edge.
Are you trying to meet a deadline? Try to request for an extra time, but incase you are not granted this request, just take it one step at a time and get it done. If your a project is overwhelming, break it down into smaller tasks and get it done.
2. Just step away
Have you ever been assigned a task and you feel like you are not getting hang of it? Or, the feeling of having too much to do at a short space of time? All these are part of the things that can overwhelm a person.
Sometimes, the best thing to do when you’re overwhelmed is to step away for a few moments. Just take your mind away from everything.
“There is a clear link between sunshine, nature, and mood. Even a 5-minute walk around the block and a warm or cold shower can help you return to your tasks refreshed and more focused.
3. Focus on what you can control
This is where a lot of us go haywire. A lot of times, we feel like we can control, fix or handle everything. Other times, we think things will go exactly as we plan.
When we focus on things we cannot control, there is a high chance that it will increase our anxiety.
But what about the things that we do have control over? How do we go about them?
The next time you worry about something write down the things you have control over and those you don’t and focus your energy and attention on something within your power. This may not be easy as it sounds but doing this will help you practice mindfulness and the art of letting go of the uncontrollable .
4. Outsource or delegate.
Know this, you cannot do EVERYTHING!!! Ask yourself, “are there some area of my tasks that can be handle by someone else to help me better maximize my time?” it could be cleaning, cooking, conducting interviews, shopping, etc. If yes, look for someone or people who you know is accountable and can do the job and assign it to them. If its something that needs to be taught or thoroughly explained, please be patient and teach the person to avoid more errors.
You can also ask someone to handle your shift at work so that you can get some or rest or simply take a sick leave that way you come back feeling more refreshed and ready to work. Most times we feel like we need to do everything by ourselves but employing or asking others for help will help you create extra time for yourself.
5. Do what you enjoy
Even though there are jobs to be done and deadlines to be met, ask yourself this questions “I’m I doing enough of what i love? Or I’m I just living each day as they come just trying to cross out task from my list with absolutely no sense of joy or fulfillment?”
Make it a point of duty to set the time aside to experience joy in your life and have some fun too. Try to figure out what brings you pleasure, joy, and peace of mind. It could be:
- Listening to music
- Cooking
- Going for a walk
- Dancing
- Cooking dinner
- Watching the sunset
- Spending time with friends and family.
Try to enjoy each day to the fullest!!!
6. Ask for help:
Always bear this in mind, you can always ask for help from someone you can trust. It could be friends, family, coworker, etc. Most times we try to act strong which is not a bad idea but admitting you need help and listening to other peoples opinion and point of view and takes away some of the burden thereby making you feel lighter.
Our social support like friends and family are there for us when we need someone to lean on, if you need to vent or talk things through, call or Reach out to a friend if need be.
[…] feel better. Therefore, it needs as much energy as it can get. So, take good care of yourself by taking some time off from work, school or any activity/ routine that is stressful. Getting adequate amount of sleep will help you […]