Apr12_OVERWHELMED
? – Is there a solution?
During a recent weekend at my study group and lectures for my Masters in Gestalt Psychotherapy, I was feeling exhausted. At one level I knew that I had been pushing myself quite hard and was feeling the effects of that.
During a recent weekend at my study group and lectures for my Masters in Gestalt Psychotherapy, I was feeling exhausted. At one level I knew that I had been pushing myself quite hard and was feeling the effects of that.
The interesting thing was that once I stopped and really paid attention to my exhaustion a sense of overwhelm came. Staying present to that sense of overwhelm helped me to realize what was actually happening for me.
I imagine a common thought on solving overwhelm would be to make a to-do list and work from there. The funny thing is that the to-do list may be unrealistic and never ending and only confirm and compound the sense of overwhelm. It could even define your life if you let it.
A really interesting question you could ask of yourself would be “what am I trying to achieve?” and then “why am I trying to achieve this?” Underlying these answers will be a need that you are trying to have met.
The only answer to overwhelm is to STOP! Stop doing, stop working, just stop! I imagine that this sounds absolutely impossible. You have so much to do! The fact is that if you are operating in overwhelm you are not effective and not productive. Your actions of doing will never meet the need that has not been recognized. The only way to find out what you need is by stopping and giving space for it to become clear to you.
Here are some ways you can move through overwhelm:
Recognize your symptoms – pay attention to the early warning signs of overwhelm. They could be having trouble thinking straight, fatigue or exhaustion, little things that normally wouldn’t bother you are irritating you or having difficulty sleeping.
STOP – This is so important and key to being able to turn around overwhelm. I also imagine this will be the most difficult step to take. Remove yourself to a quiet space so you are not looking at what may be causing your overwhelm – like your desk at work!
Identify your need – Imagine if you had finished everything you needed to finish, what would you be hoping that would provide for you. Keep asking this of yourself until you find your real need. (For example: If I keep up with my study I will be able to complete my course. That means I will complete my assignments and will have the depth of understanding I am wanting and I will feel confident I can get the work done. I am looking for the confidence that I can manage my study load.)
Stay with your need – most of us are not used to allowing our needs because we see it as selfish. If our needs are not met then how can we really expect to meet others needs? I imagine this will be very challenging to many of you. Taking the example above – really feeling my need for confidence I could feel a knot in my belly and I could physically feel how much I needed to feel confident.
Ask for what you need – This may feel a little weird and uncomfortable and there’s nothing to lose. I encourage you to stay with this part of the process. If you have a belief in God, the Universe, Mother Nature – whatever you can draw from spiritually – Ask for what you need. “Please send me confidence to manage my studies”. Sit in the silence of the connection you have made.
Now for the to-do list – You have spent some time working on what was causing you to feel overwhelm, now write your to-do list. Take notice of the tasks you have put on your list and check if there are any there that you feel are not necessary. See if your heart is drawn to any tasks on your list. Be open to being surprised!
Remember to be gentle on yourself and know that you don’t need to stay in that place called Overwhelm. You have a choice to stop for a moment and implement these simple yet profound steps.
I’d love to hear about any experiences that you have trying this process. You can email me at linda@rainbowatma.com.au.
Our next Chai and Chat at Rendezvous will be on the 3rd of April from 9.30 – 11.00am. Cost is $10 per person. Please book by calling Rendezvous on 3425 1353. We will be continuing our discussion on communication. I look forward to seeing you there.
Linda
Rainbow Atma
Ayurveda & Oncology Clinic
0402 811 742
linda@rainbowatma.com.au
I imagine a common thought on solving overwhelm would be to make a to-do list and work from there. The funny thing is that the to-do list may be unrealistic and never ending and only confirm and compound the sense of overwhelm. It could even define your life if you let it.
A really interesting question you could ask of yourself would be “what am I trying to achieve?” and then “why am I trying to achieve this?” Underlying these answers will be a need that you are trying to have met.
The only answer to overwhelm is to STOP! Stop doing, stop working, just stop! I imagine that this sounds absolutely impossible. You have so much to do! The fact is that if you are operating in overwhelm you are not effective and not productive. Your actions of doing will never meet the need that has not been recognized. The only way to find out what you need is by stopping and giving space for it to become clear to you.
Here are some ways you can move through overwhelm:
Recognize your symptoms – pay attention to the early warning signs of overwhelm. They could be having trouble thinking straight, fatigue or exhaustion, little things that normally wouldn’t bother you are irritating you or having difficulty sleeping.
STOP – This is so important and key to being able to turn around overwhelm. I also imagine this will be the most difficult step to take. Remove yourself to a quiet space so you are not looking at what may be causing your overwhelm – like your desk at work!
Identify your need – Imagine if you had finished everything you needed to finish, what would you be hoping that would provide for you. Keep asking this of yourself until you find your real need. (For example: If I keep up with my study I will be able to complete my course. That means I will complete my assignments and will have the depth of understanding I am wanting and I will feel confident I can get the work done. I am looking for the confidence that I can manage my study load.)
Stay with your need – most of us are not used to allowing our needs because we see it as selfish. If our needs are not met then how can we really expect to meet others needs? I imagine this will be very challenging to many of you. Taking the example above – really feeling my need for confidence I could feel a knot in my belly and I could physically feel how much I needed to feel confident.
Ask for what you need – This may feel a little weird and uncomfortable and there’s nothing to lose. I encourage you to stay with this part of the process. If you have a belief in God, the Universe, Mother Nature – whatever you can draw from spiritually – Ask for what you need. “Please send me confidence to manage my studies”. Sit in the silence of the connection you have made.
Now for the to-do list – You have spent some time working on what was causing you to feel overwhelm, now write your to-do list. Take notice of the tasks you have put on your list and check if there are any there that you feel are not necessary. See if your heart is drawn to any tasks on your list. Be open to being surprised!
Remember to be gentle on yourself and know that you don’t need to stay in that place called Overwhelm. You have a choice to stop for a moment and implement these simple yet profound steps.
I’d love to hear about any experiences that you have trying this process. You can email me at linda@rainbowatma.com.au.
Our next Chai and Chat at Rendezvous will be on the 3rd of April from 9.30 – 11.00am. Cost is $10 per person. Please book by calling Rendezvous on 3425 1353. We will be continuing our discussion on communication. I look forward to seeing you there.
Linda
Rainbow Atma
Ayurveda & Oncology Clinic
0402 811 742
linda@rainbowatma.com.au
