Do you ever feel so overwhelmed or stressed that you can’t think straight? Do you have days when your mind feels so cluttered that you can’t fit in another chore, project or appointment even if you wanted to?
When our minds are filled with worry, stress and overwhelm, we operate from an emotional part of our mind that prevents us from making decisions or taking actions that serve our best interest.
It becomes easy to lose confidence during stressful times. We just don’t know which way to turn.
Experiences of stress and overwhelm happen in all of our lives. It serves us well to take steps to calm ourselves during these times. Here are some useful tips:
Stop and take stock. Even though you may be having a bad day or even a bad week, you can think of many people and things you are grateful for. Focusing on those we love and what is good in our lives is a powerful way of controlling our body’s response to stress and keeping things in check.
Breathe deeply and slowly with focus. This ancient practice instantly reduces stress and allows us to tap into our creative energy. And from our creative resources, we can find the solutions we need.
Know what you can and cannot control. Make of list of the things that overwhelm you. After you do, put a check by the things you can control or influence. Review the other things on your list and acknowledge that you cannot control these items. When you do that, commit to letting them go.
Practice the power of optimism. Being optimistic is more than seeing the world through rose colored glasses. Optimism shows itself through your attitude, belief and actions. When you are optimistic you expect favorable outcomes. This actually primes your brain to be on the lookout for and recognize possibilities. When you are optimistic everything in life is different.
By making a conscious effort to calm your mind when life is spinning out of control, you will arm yourself with the positive and resourceful energy you need.
