“It’s all a bit full-on, isn’t it” – this came in today from my supervisor and it hit the nail on the head.
Here are 5 strategies that might help you today – right now – or tomorrow – or the next day or next week…. whenever you feel like you can actually face it… because let’s be truthful – it’s full on and hard to process!
- Write it down
With pen and paper (yes physically – not in your head, not the notes on your phone, not your laptop – pen and paper). Writing helps to create distance from everything in your head. It allows you to gain perspective on your thoughts and feelings. It can help you process what’s going on and enables you to feel ‘heard’ and have your feelings validated.
- Understand what you are thinking
Overwhelm and that feeling of panic isn’t caused by “things” but the thoughts about the “things”. What is it you’re saying to yourself – “This is too much”, “This isn’t fair”, “I can’t cope”, “What about if….” and then question why is this truly bad? What does it mean? Is it true? Or just a thought?
- Regulate your nervous system
Whilst the brain controls the body, the body also can feedback to the brain that all is well. The good news – it takes 2 minutes to create the change. Some suggestions are belly breathing, dancing, humming, EFT, shaking your body and many more.
- Start connecting with your inner strength
Write down a list of all the times you’ve had hard times and you got through them. They can be things such as hard days, interactions with people, circumstances, coping with grief or loss or anything else. Once you’ve written this list… keep reading it or re-writing it because you are stronger than you realise.
- Recognise that this will pass
Whatever the situation that is presenting to you that you’re feeling overwhelmed about – it will pass. It’s likely in a week, month, year or 5 years time… you’ll be thinking about something else and it will have resolved itself. In some instances it will be completely forgotten and in others it will be something to tell your children or grandchildren about – whatever… it will end.
Don’t forget to do all the things that make you feel good. I’m genuinely thinking about starting up a Schitts Creek watch party from 8am on Monday morning when I hope my toddler is in nursery and I’m taking the week off…. Wanna join me?
Don’t ever forget in the words of Glennon Doyle – WE CAN DO HARD THINGS.
You can start your journey today by accessing my free resources here.
Sending you all the love and strength, Tricia xxx
