3 tips to manage overwhelm
Life can be busy, messy and chaotic. In today’s world, it can feel like we never have enough time and we are being pulled in many directions. If you can relate to this feeling, I wanted to bring you some practical tips and tools to find the space that you need for yourself.
I have good news and bad news. The bad news is no one is coming to save you, you need to be the one to put yourself on your to-do list. The good news is there are lots of small steps you can take that will make you feel restore and recentre.
I have a busy house with 3 children, 2 businesses being run from here and a dog to be walked. Over the years, I have noticed that I need little micro breaks or I become overwhelmed and ratty.
I have created a tool kit to reach for when I feel the need for time to myself. Rest isn’t always sleep. Sometimes you get more long lasting benefit from creating a "break" that is restorative, whether that is rest, fun or escape.
I am sharing my 3 tips for how I find space for myself, in the hope that inspire you to create your mini moments of choice:
1. Noise Cancelling Earphones & Breathing
I get overwhelmed by noise and too many people talking to me at once. When I feel this wave happening, I have two tools that I use:
I find the Insight Timer app amazing (and free). A short 5-15 minutes a day of "meditation" (which often becomes a nap) to take down my cortisol levels and have a moment of escape from the madness each day.
Loop earplugs or just popping on my noise cancelling earphones while I unpack the dishwasher and get jobs done. I can still hear what is happening in the house but it is not as invasive and my children has now gotten used to this signal that I need some space alone.
2. Schedule moments of escape
Spontaneity is hard in my set up so I have to schedule my moments of fun & restoration. By booking in, I am committing in advance that I am going to give myself the space I need and it becomes non-negotiable.
For me, I book in my yoga classes for the week in advance and I love to have half day retreat events or day out with friends in the calendar to look forward to.
What would be your moments of escape that would bring you renewed energy?
3. Set your own mini goal to learn, stretch or play
I have not been good at reading in the past few years and I have a long list of books that I wish I read. I have set a goal to read one fiction and one learning book. Success for this plan will be to pick books that I am looking forward to diving into and leave it somewhere that is in your eyeline so it doesn't get forgotten.
Let me know what I should be reading? I would love any recommendations to help me find a book I really want to read.
What could your mini goal be to help you feel like you are winning?
I hope these tips help you to feel in control of your time and balance the energy you give to others vs. yourself. If you don't know where to begin, ask yourself two questions..
What do I need more of?
What do I need less of?
Any questions or ideas you would like to share, I would love to hear them. You can reach me any time at hello@thebiglifeproject.ie and on my social channels (LinkedIn and Instagram)
