According to the World Health Organisation, stress is the disease of the 20th Century, and with stress comes the feeling of overwhelm. Your lives today are fast, and it requires you to purposefully take action to embed practices of mindfulness regularly into your lives.
You may find yourself being caught in a whirlwind of tasks, responsibilities, and emotions, all clamouring for your attention. But amidst this chaos, there is one key thing to remember that can be a beacon of calm: Simplicity is your ally.
Embrace Simplicity
When everything around you feels complicated and demanding, simplicity becomes your sanctuary. It’s about breaking down the complex into manageable parts. Think of it as finding the eye of the storm – a place of calm clarity from where you can assess and address each aspect of your overwhelm.
1. Identify the Core Issue
Often, you feel overwhelmed not because of the quantity of tasks but because of your perceived complexity or your emotional reaction to them. Identify the core issue that’s causing your stress. Is it a deadline, a particular task, or perhaps an emotional concern? Pinpointing the exact source can dramatically simplify your situation.
2. One Step at a Time
Remember the age-old wisdom: “How do you conquer Mount Everest. One step at a time.” Apply this to your overwhelming situation. Break down your tasks or problems into smaller, more manageable steps. Focus on one thing at a time, giving it your full attention before moving on to the next.
3. Set Clear Priorities
Not everything that demands your attention is equally important. Set clear priorities. What needs to be done now, and what can wait? Sometimes, the act of prioritising can bring immediate relief and a clearer perspective on your situation.
4. Seek Simplicity in Solutions
Complex problems don’t always require complex solutions. Sometimes, the simplest approach can be the most effective. This might mean delegating tasks, asking for help, or even deciding to let something go if it’s not absolutely necessary.
5. Mindfulness and Presence
In moments of overwhelm, your minds tend to race ahead to future worries or loop back to past frustrations. Practice mindfulness and bring your focus back to the present. Often, you’ll find that in the present moment, the overwhelm is less intense than it seems.
6. Self-Compassion is Key
Be kind to yourself. Overwhelm can bring up feelings of inadequacy or frustration. Recognise that feeling overwhelmed is a natural response to a challenging situation and not a reflection of your capabilities or worth.
The next time you find yourself in the throes of overwhelm, remember this one key thing: simplicity is your ally. By breaking down the complex into manageable steps, setting clear priorities, seeking simple solutions, practising mindfulness, and treating yourself with kindness, you can navigate through the storm with a sense of calm and control. Remember, the antidote to overwhelm isn’t always doing more; sometimes, it’s about doing less, but more effectively.
If you are finding yourself needing support or guidance on managing those feelings of overwhelm, then contact me for a chat today.
