Do You Find Yourself in a Sea of Overwhelm on a Daily Basis?
Did you know that on an average day, your brain gets bombarded with millions of pieces of information? With this daily onslaught of an overload of information coming your way, simply managing this ‘intake’ is a job in itself. Whether it’s online meetings, phone calls, work demands, family demands and crises, the news, or the state of the economy, (never mind the information needed to run your body) – the list is endless. This all has an impact on your mental health so staying out of overwhelm and becoming mindful of the ‘intake’ of information is all about self-preservation.
Facing Deadlines
Have you had to repeatedly face a deadline that you weren’t prepared for? This can create intense pressure on the brain and body, leaving you feeling ‘burnt-out’. Depending on how much mental stress you are continuously under, you could hit burnout in around 30 minutes. At this super-fast rate, it feels like being hit by a ‘big truck’. Crisis, trauma, and stress don’t just exist in a pandemic or war, it happens in everyday life!
Avoiding Burnout
In order to avoid getting ‘burnout’, it’s essential to acknowledge that you are not perfect. It is not physically or mentally possible to work continuously with 100% effort. It is much less stressful if you aim to achieve 80% of your workload instead of the 100% that you set out at the start of the day. That might mean completing 80% of your tasks for the day or attending fewer meetings. It’s important to identify what’s really important to you. Remember, less is more.
Improve Balance
If you are continually feeling overwhelmed then it is important that you start to look at how you could achieve greater balance in your life. For example, you should ensure that you are eating healthily, getting to bed at a reasonable time for 7- 8 hours of sleep, as well as getting regular exercise. You could also set up some simple routines and practices to take care of everyday activities at home or the office. Remember to ask others for help as you may not have all the answers. You should also be compassionate to yourself and recognise the situation you are in. You don’t have to fix everything immediately but prioritise your diary.
Be More Mindful
Learn to step into a more mindful state by staying in the present. Say to yourself “At this moment, right now, all is well”. Repeat it often. During chaos, confusion, or uncertainty, be kind to yourself and be present. Turn the volume of life down and breathe.