#overwhelm # mental wellbeng #harnessing stress
It's a turbulent time, many people are in a stage of uncertainty right now with restructures, redundancies and transformational change in the NZ workplace and the ongoing of uncertainty at a local and global level. Many of us may identify with the feeling of 'being overwhelmed'
Kabat -Zim describes overwhelm as the all to familiar feeling ‘that our lives are somehow unfolding faster that the human nervous system and psyche are able to manage.’
He suggests that mindful play or no agenda non-doing time is the cure for overwhelm. let’s explore some other strategies that may support us to stay stable and present during the turbulence of change.
1. Prioritise Tasks: Break down your tasks into smaller, manageable steps and prioritize them based on urgency and importance. Writing them down makes them more 'objective', keeping them in our heads just leads to rumination and increased overwhelm.
2. Time Blocking: Allocate specific time slots for different tasks, ensuring focus and avoiding multitasking, ensure breaks are blocked out too! Reflect on when you are at your best in the day so that important tasks are prioritised to reflect this. For example if you are a morning person, block out the early part of the day for the 'most important ' work of the day.
3. Delegate: Identify tasks that can be delegated to others, freeing up your time and mental energy for more critical responsibilities. How do you elevate yourself to do the work where you uniquely can add the most value ?
4. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to protect your time and energy, saying no to non-essential commitments and distractions.
5. Practice Radical Self-Care: Make time for activities that recharge you mentally, emotionally and physically, such as exercise, meditation, meeting friends or hobbies.
6. Reflect on your relationship with ‘being busy’ what belief may serve you better, how do you show compassion for yourself and turn that ‘busy dial down a notch or two?
7. Reconnect with your core values and ensure your behaviour is aligned with what is most important to you. Misaligned values create a sense of life not being on track!
8. Focus on what you can control and Influence and accept those things that you can't. Acceptance doesn't mean you like it or agree with it! ask yourself 'What do I need to accept about this situation?'
9. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out for help or guidance when feeling overwhelmed, whether from colleagues, friends, or professionals.