Overcome Overwhelm & Enjoy More Peace

Overwhelm is more than a feeling. It is all encompassing. It reeks havoc on our mind, body, and spirit! Creative and expansive thought is replaced by numbness and “brain fog”. Exhaustion is not even relieved by sleep.  Aches, pains, pre-mature aging and dis-ease often follow prolonged periods of overwhelm. The spirit is heavy. It feels alone, abandoned and disconnected from God and others.

The Shepherd King David often spoke of his sense of overwhelm.

Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed and weak within me; My heart grows numb …Psalm 143:4

Can You Relate?

• Do you feel buried beneath a huge to-do list?
• Are you stretched and pulled in a dozen directions?
• Are you weighed down by the needs and expectations of others?
• Are you tormented by thoughts of not being or doing enough?
• Have the storms of life left you feeling weathered and depleted?

There is hope!

My Prayers were Insane!

I vividly remember all the nights I cried on the floor of my bathroom begging God to help me pull off all the demands I had placed on myself.  I now realize my prayers were insane!

I was begging God to help me work full time, homeschool my kids full time, keep an immaculate home, lead a Bible Study, run a high school speech and debate club, stay in shape and be a fabulous wife, mother, lover, daughter in law….

What I Needed was Perspective

Research from the HeartMath Institute shows overwhelm happens when we attach too much significance to too many things

HMI researchers found in trials that one of the primary contributors to participants’ feelings of overwhelm was the amount of significance they assigned to the projects, situations and encounters in their lives. Rather than the challenges they were facing, it was this significance/importance that was causing them so much frustration and internal energy drain. (Overwhelm also is commonly experienced when we provide care to others for illness or injury or during the end-of-life stage and assign so much significance that our care turns into overcare.)

Thre research concludes by offering a solution.  Learn how to take the significance out. In other words

“Don’t sweat the small stuff.  And it’s all small stuff” – Richard Carlson

Being in my “wisdom years”, I realize that life is really short. Scripture says it’s a vapor in the wind.  One of my favorite prayers is

Teach us to realize the brevity of life,
so that we may grow in wisdom
                      – Psalms 90:12 NLT

 establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.
                        -Psalms 90:17 NIV

Overcome Overwhelm & Enjoy More Peace

Here are a few tips to help you break free from overwhelm and enjoy more peace

• Push the “Pause” Button
  When I feel overwhelmed I l push an imaginary pause button.  I stop what I am doing and breathe.  Deep breathing is both calming and refreshing.  If possible go outside and breath fresh air.  Take a quick brisk walk.  If you can get barefoot it will further help you to ground yourself.
• Put it on Paper
  Problems appear bigger when we keep them in our head. Getting things out of our head and onto paper will free up your mind to receive creative solutions.  
• Change Your State
  You can change the way you are feeling!  Turn on your favorite music.  Get up and dance.  Grab your favorite essential oils rub a couple drops in your hands and then breathe in their delicious scent.  Try tapping (EFT) while speaking affirmations.
  
• Have a Morning Routine
  One of the best ways to overcome overwhelm is to start your day with purpose and intention.  I have a morning routine in writing to remind me.  This routine is included in my Journal Template. As I turn the pages of my journal I am reminded to say my affirmations, do my declarations, visualize, etc.
• Get Enough Sleep
  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Stop overwhelm before it starts. Get a good nights rest.  Go to bed at a reasonable hour.  Be sure your room is dark.  Move phone and electronics to another room.  spray some lavender essential oils.  Things are less overwhelming when we are well rested.
• Exercise
  Exercise releases natural hormones that help you handle stress. I keep an exercise mat in my office.  Even 10 minutes of yoga stretching reduces anxiety and stress and opens my mind to be creative.
• Stay in the Present
  Overwhelm often happens when we allow our mind to run ahead.  We imagine and create stories about all the things that can go wrong or that we won’t be able to do.  Stay focused on the now.  My favorite way to do that is to ask empowering questions. E .g.What is the most important action I can take right now to (fill in blank what you are desiring to accomplish)Asking that question gives focus and clarity.  It takes our minds off of the urgent and on to the important. Taking that action will keep you moving in the direction of accomplishing your goals – which always feels good.
• Change your Vocabulary
  When we constantly talk about how busy we are and how much we have to do, we increase our anxiety and sense of overwhelm.  Instead speak affirmations such as:

I have time
There is abundance
Everything is working together for my good
All things are in Divine order
I AM able

Statements such as these will empower you and stop the anxious thoughts of fear, doubt, and worry.  For more ideas check out Enjoy Life & Success: Upgrade Your Self Talk

• Schedule What’s Important
  The saying,

A place for everything and everything in its place works for time as well. Click To Tweet

Making time in your schedule for the things that really matter will reduce the stress of a mile long to-do list and ensure you actually get things done.  Build enough margin in your schedule for the unexpected as well. It is possible.

Be sure to get your FREE book  The Time Management Secrets of Jesus
It is amazing to think that he squeezed his entire ministry, including vision casting, healing, teaching, growing and training his team all into 3 short years!

Closing Encouragement

Here are few scriptures to keep you encouraged on your journey

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

From the end of the earth I call to You, when my heart is overwhelmed and weak; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I [a rock that is too high to reach without Your help]. – Psalm 61:2

You can overcome overwhelm.  Let go of the feeling you need to be everything for everyone.  Stop.  Choose the people and things that really matter.  Life is so short. Savor every precious moment.  Release the rest.  All is well.

Praying YOU prosper in ALL things!
Brenda

Note:  Part of overwhelm is a lack of clarity.  Knowing your purpose, and what you truly desire and having a plan to accomplish it gives focus and power.  Schedule your FREE Breakthrough Strategy Session