Tuesday Truths – August 29, 2023
Do you feel overwhelmed……. and stuck in your current situation?
It may be time to prioritize your well-being.
Since COVID…. I realized…… after I pivoted from my dental hygiene to coaching……. I have been going nonstop!
It started when I was having problems Zooming on my laptop!
After a week of remote help and messaging Best Buy, Microsoft, and Zoom, I finally went to Best Buy, and I figured I had worn out the USB ports used for Zoom! With a new laptop and another week of updating passwords, it was three weeks of “total overwhelm
Feeling overwhelmed is a clear signal that you might need to step back, assess the situation, and make a change.
And that is what I had to do! I took time off to meet with friends and got away for a hiking trip to Watkins Glen!
I have Ten” signs that indicate it’s time to consider restarting or taking a break when you’re overwhelmed:
1. Constant Stress: If you’re constantly stressed, anxious, or unable to relax due to the demands of your current situation, it’s a sign that something needs to change.
2. Physical and Mental Exhaustion: Overwhelming can lead to physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or even more severe health issues. Mental exhaustion, constant worry, and lack of focus are also indicators.
3. Decline in Performance: If you notice a significant decline in your performance, productivity, or quality of work, it might be time to step back and recharge.
4. Neglected Well-Being: Self-care tends to take a backseat when you’re overwhelmed. If you’re neglecting your physical, emotional, and mental well-being, it’s time to prioritize yourself.
5. Lack of Joy: If tasks or activities that used to bring you joy now feel burdensome, it’s a sign that you need a reset.
6. Strained Relationships: Overwhelming situations can lead to irritability and strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
7. Loss of Perspective: When overwhelmed, you quickly lose sight of the bigger picture and get bogged down in the details.
8. Consistent Procrastination: If you find yourself constantly procrastinating or avoiding tasks, it might be a way of coping with overwhelm.
9. Ineffectiveness in Problem-Solving: When you’re overwhelmed, you compromise the ability to think clearly and solve problems effectively.
10. Feeling Stuck: If you feel like you’re in a rut and unable to make progress despite your efforts, it could be a sign that a change is needed.
When you recognize these signs, take a moment to reflect on what’s causing your overwhelm……….
Then, take these essential proactive steps to address the overwhelm:
1. Assess Your Priorities: Evaluate what tasks and responsibilities contribute most to your overwhelm. Consider which ones can be delegated, postponed, or eliminated.
2. Take a Break: Sometimes stepping away from the situation, even temporarily, can provide much-needed perspective and rejuvenation.
3. Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, mentors, or a professional coach about your feelings. They might offer valuable insights or suggestions.
4. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries for your time, commitments, and energy to prevent future overwhelm.
5. Practice Self-Care: Prioritize activities that recharge you, such as exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, or engaging in hobbies.
6. Consider Restarting: Depending on the situation, a more significant restart……..such as changing your approach, shifting your goals, or reevaluating your commitments might be necessary.
Remember that asking for help and prioritizing your well-being is okay.
Recognizing when you’re overwhelmed and taking steps to address it is a sign of strength and self-awareness!
You can explore new opportunities or a fresh start that aligns better with your passions and goals.