Pay attention to how you are feeling. Feeling overwhelmed is a sign. It’s a signal to shift something from your mindset to your schedule. You have the power to cancel something or to say no thank you. You are brave enough to make a small change that will ease your feeling of overwhelm.
You have the option of deciding what matters to you and making room for whatever that is. I know it’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Notice when you are feeling overwhelmed and choose to pause. Remind yourself that you can turn things around — inch by inch, step by step, and thought by thought.
So, what do we do? How can move through life with less stress and overwhelm? How can we enjoy our lives in the midst of the chaos? I discovered after years of experimenting and eliminating things like clutter, debt, and busyness that it is possible to create a more peaceful environment.
It does take time to change your environment though. It’s worth doing no matter how long it takes, but for some immediate relief when you are feeling overwhelmed, stop and consider these reminders (whichever ones are helpful for your situation).
1. How something ends up depends on how much you worry about it. Worry never works. Let your worry go. It won’t be easy, but do it anyway. Write it down, walk it off, shift your thoughts and keep letting it go. And then do that again and again and again.
2. If you don’t say no, there will be nothing else left of you to say yes. If you honour every request with a yes, you will compromise your health, family, peace of mind, and the joy of living your life.
3. If it feels too much, it’s too much. Instead of downplaying or dismissing your feelings when things are heavy or you are overwhelmed, trust them.
4. Stop apologizing for who you are. You deserve better and we desperately need you to be unapologetically you. If you are feeling overwhelmed because the people around you don’t support you and lift you up, find new people.
5. Their expectations were never yours to meet. Holding the weight of other people’s expectations is overwhelming but it’s not your responsibility. It is time to live the life you dreamed about instead of the one that others expect of you.
6. Mental and physical health are important. Take care of you. Your health comes first.
7. Don’t wait for things to be good to be grateful. It’s always a good time to be grateful and that means expressing thanks even when you aren’t feeling your best, or when you are feeling overwhelmed. Even in the dark times, there are things to be thankful for. It may be more challenging to feel or express your gratitude, but then it’s even more important to do it.
8. You don’t have to keep score anymore. What if you stopped keeping score? Imagine the heart space you could create if you stopped holding on to who emptied the dishwasher or took out the trash last? Maybe it doesn’t matter who called who last. Call if you want to connect. And think about how much more you’d enjoy spending time with your friends if you didn’t have to remember who paid for coffee or lunch last time? Things don’t have to be even to be good.
9. Almost anything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you. Unplug. Back Off. Let go. Refresh. Restore.
10. Let whoever think whatever. What people think of you has nothing to do with you. If they tell you something you that isn’t helpful, simply smile and say, “thanks so much for your feedback.” and move on.
11. I will not say yes when my heart says no. I always say no to ignoring my heart. She knows things.
12. It can’t all matter at the same time. Be picky about what gets your energy and attention. When everything is important, nothing is.
Source: The Simplicity Space
