Feeling Overloaded?... It's ok to have a break!

Life these days is hectic... whether it's with family or work commitments and responsibilities... maintaining relationships with friends, family and acquaintances... learning new skills... achieving goals... keeping fit... and a million and other things demanding our attention!

It's understandable we can feel overloaded from time to time... even if you have no more demands on you than usual!

Sometimes overloaded feelings happen because of the demands placed upon us over an extended period of time... sometimes overloaded feelings occur because we are not feeling well, we are tired... or perhaps they occur because our body and brain is telling us in no uncertain terms, we just need a break.

Taking a break from daily routines is essential from time to time.

Do you take adequate breaks??  Do you give yourself permission to say "no, I can't do this at the moment"... do you allow yourself not to perform at the level you usually perform at??...

It's imperative to become aware you are beginning to feel overloaded... and it's imperative that you do something about it before it takes hold completely.

Talking from experience, both professionally and personally (yeah, I've experienced it often throughout my life) prolonging the feelings of overload is detrimental to your health and state of mind.

Here are a few suggestions to help your overloaded feelings:

• walk outside and get some fresh air
• go get a drink of water -- sometimes we allow ourselves to become dehydrated which can increase the feelings of overload
• give yourself permission to take 10 minutes off and do something you enjoy
• have an early night
• write out how you're feeling and what's happening
• get some physical exercise -- sometimes when we work mostly in our heads, we need a physical outlet

• plan to take a holiday -- if you are at work, arrange to take some days off.  This may not be able to be done immediately, but get the ball rolling in terms of booking time off

• talk to someone -- find someone e.g. a close friend or perhaps a counsellor, therapist, Dr you can get support from

Avoid allowing overload to become a way of how you generally feel... overload is an indication something is not balanced in your life.  Take steps to eliminate overload from your life and if you can't do that, take steps to give yourself a break from it for a little while.

What do you do when you are overloaded?  How do you cope with overload??  I'd be interested to hear your techniques... how about clicking on the comment link below and sharing them with us.

Warmly
Jeanne

Comments

[Shaun]

Ah, you're completely right. I typically go on walks if I am working on a project. Some days I'll walk more than I write. ;-)

But during the walks I make sure to think and plan about whatever project is taking my time! So, it all works out in the end.

[Jeanne May]

Hi Shaun...

It's amazing how a change of scenery can help shift our perspective... allowing solutions to emerge.

Thanks for your comments!

Warmly
Jeanne