You are overwhelmed - it’s not your fault.
In today’s fast-paced world, the only thing that seems effortless is feeling overwhelmed. In each of our micro-environments, we are navigating various life changes or simply trying to keep up with the demands of our world. In our external environments, we face constant triggers—loud noises, sirens, emotionally charged news, interactions with people, social events. Or maybe you’re dealing with starting a new job, moving, or losing a loved one. The weight can feel crushing. Multiply this by ten, add social media, and you begin to understand what this is like for teens and children. They often have even less vocabulary to mentally process and cope with all of this.
The first step in moving past overwhelm is recognizing that this isn’t your fault. While you didn’t create the stress, it is your responsibility to care for yourself.
While our calendar date is 2024, our bodies haven't evolved to keep pace with the changes in technology, food, alcohol, and stimuli that have drastically shifted from the simpler times our ancestors thrived. Our brains evolved to handle a slower, simpler existence. We were designed to thrive in small groups, navigating life with people in our community. Fast forward to today, and we’re connected to millions of people via online accounts, bombarded by endless information, taking on too many responsibilities and stimuli, all while lacking real in-person community.
This mismatch between our biology and modern life is causing us to burn out. It’s like trying to run a daily triathlon in flip-flops. Even when we manage to get by, we often do so on the edge of burnout.
We are not living optimally. Do we even know what that would look like?
Seven Ways Life has Complicated our Lives:
Constant Comparison: In smaller communities, it was easier to excel. Today, with 7 billion people, comparing ourselves to others is endless, making it harder to feel like we’re "the best" at anything.
Worrying More About the World: Though life is safer than it used to be, global tragedies feel constant thanks to 24/7 news. We see disaster after disaster, triggering worry and stress.
Complex Communication: Juggling multiple groups with different expectations means we often present different versions of ourselves. This adds to mental strain and confusion.
Managing Diverse Values: On the savanna, everyone shared similar beliefs and values. Now, we must navigate differing political, religious, and social values, which can create conflict and confusion.
More Distractions: The constant pings of technology and access to entertainment make it hard to focus and stay grounded.
More Stuff: Modern life encourages accumulation—more material things, more responsibilities, more everything. It adds up and weighs us down.
Information Overload: We have to process far more information now than we were ever meant to, leading to mental fatigue.
Taking Responsibility for Your Well-Being
It’s not your fault that life feels overwhelming—our modern world is simply more complex than we’re built to handle. But while you’re not to blame, you are responsible for how you respond to it.
Start with Adding Yourself Back Into Your Life
Come up with your vision of what it would look like if you were living optimally. Don’t plug logic into it—there’s really none happening right now anyway. Just have fun. You have nothing to lose by asking yourself some questions about what your ideal life would be. Let this vision serve as your anchor, reminding you that although you may not feel great today, you know that within you is the concept of what living in wellness would look like. This alone brings you out of despair. We will work on expanding this goal and idea soon, but for now, start with it. And share—email me what it looks like!
So What Can You Do to Manage Overwhelm?
While the world won’t slow down, there are ways to take control of how you respond:
Keep a Journal: Writing down your thoughts helps get them out of your head and into a manageable form. Break large, overwhelming thoughts into smaller tasks or issues.
Exercise: Exercise is not only good for the body, but it's a fantastic stress reliever. It boosts your mood and clears your mind. Emotions live in your body’s memory. Exercise moves that energy out.
Be Your Own Island: Relying on others for happiness adds to stress. Cultivate happiness from within by learning to enjoy your own company.
Breathe Deeply: When anxiety hits, take a few minutes to breathe slowly and deeply. This calms your nervous system and gives you space to think. Literally just three breaths.
Forgive Often: Life is full of challenges, and we all make mistakes. Let go of grudges, especially against yourself, and allow room for growth.
Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself: No one is perfect, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed. Show yourself compassion as you navigate life's complexities.
Use Art and Meditation to Restore Balance
You knew this was coming. :) When you’re constantly overwhelmed, your body and brain are in overdrive, struggling to function. You need a break. This imbalance leaves you feeling disconnected and anxious. The power of art and meditation, either separate or combined are practices that can help restore balance:
Lower Cortisol Levels: Art and meditation are proven to reduce the stress hormone cortisol, which leads to improved memory, better digestion, and enhanced immunity.
Promote Emotional Regulation: Meditation helps calm the fear centers of the brain, while art provides a creative outlet for emotions. Together, they improve how you handle stress.
Boost Brain Health: Both activities stimulate neuroplasticity—helping the brain form new connections, which counters the effects of stress.
Improve Focus: Meditation teaches the mind to stay in the present moment, while creating art allows for full immersion in an activity. Both sharpen focus and reduce distractions.
By incorporating mindfulness, self-care, creativity, and a personal vision, you can begin to take the reins, reduce overwhelm, and move toward a life filled with well-being.
Tips to Start Today:
Journal your thoughts at the end of each day.
Take a short walk or run to clear your mind.
Try a 5-minute daily meditation. Here is a link to me on Insight Timer.
Pick up a paintbrush or doodle—no judgment, just expression!
Envision what your optimal life would look like.
Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t just important—it’s essential. If you don't priorize yourself, no one else will.
Keep going - You are Amazing!