Are you feeling like a Packhorse? 4 ways to handle mental overload
Like you, I work in a busy environment. Stress can creep up on us. One moment we can manage things and the next it all gets a bit too much.
Depending on our own levels of awareness, and how much we are ‘in the moment’ we might not tune in to warning signs.
These tips below are ones I use to manage my emotions and overwhelm.
- Accept the situation
My first line of defence is to honestly see my workload for what it is.
If it’s too much, I honour it and myself, without shame and with grace.
I’m clear on what I’m finding acceptable and what I can manage. When we’re overwhelmed the smallest things can tip us over.
Powering on through when you’re overloaded is a highway to nowhere except increased stress levels. Accepting your feelings around and about the situation does not mean that you allow it – merely that you recognise it is present.
When you allow yourself to feel it, and don’t deny it, you’re able to seek good solutions. We’re not good at making decisions when we’re in overload.
- Look at your Ego and Pride.
Feeling overloaded is No Measure of Your Worth. The task Does Not equal YOU. You are not the task. The task can be delegated or reviewed.
There is no merit in a messy struggle that leads to melt down. It’s not US. It’s the workload. Don’t blame yourself.
Tell your Manager/Family how to recognise your signs. Or tell them you will come to them for support if need be. And do so. Don’t be shy.
You’ve given your boundaries and everyone needs to see that you play to your personal limits. Be clear on them, to yourself and to others.
Knock pride on the head. You don’t have to be the hero. Being strung out will not get you any higher ratings in popularity. Working harder is not the solution.
Working smarter is.
Be smart and look at yourself and your attitude to work. Let it go with grace, in the right way, to the right people and maintain your sense of self worth.
You are worth it. Every time. Listen to your mind, body and spirit. Tune in to your intuition.
None of this will damage your reputation. Resilience means being able to bounce back. Not hyper drive!
- Set out your default reaction
Get to know your full point – how it shows up for you, and be ready to reach out to others.
You may like to create a ‘things to do when faced with a challenge’ card, to remind yourself your own personal steps. These might include:
- Stop
- Review
- Detach
- be present
- Breathe
- Space
- Affirmations and visualisations
- Head space and Mindful Five
I take 5. Sometimes 10 minutes to re-group. Take what you need. Whether it’s head space, a quiet visualisation, a mindful few minutes of breathing or a pre-set meditation.
I mix it up. I don’t always do the same. I keep a pink quartz heart near me, an affirmation on my wall. You may like a mediation on your desktop or mobile.
When you find a process that chills you, hone it. Break away from the area of the problem if you can and find space to be still and quiet. You won’t serve yourself well if you stay in the stress area.
The rest room might be your go-to. Done that too. Sometimes I’ll just remind myself I’m ok.