Have you ever felt the weight of the Cross after receiving abundant blessings in life? Have you ever had so much to be thankful for but felt completely stressed and overwhelmed at the same time? If so, you’re definitely not alone in your struggle. Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t always happen because terrible crises have occurred.
Sometimes, your family might be healthy, you’re making ends meet, getting along with your spouse and basically rocking at life. Your calendar starts getting a bit too full and unforeseen circumstances cause you to change plans a million times in a week. Your kids have projects due in school and sports events to get to on time. Laundry is piling up, someone needs a dentist appointment but you can’t remember who. You start to stress.
Keep this in mind if you’re feeling overwhelmed
If your life has gotten so busy that you can barely find time to shower, consider it an opportunity to change your game plan. When you have so much to do that you feel paralyzed, it’s time to identify your must-be-dones, then do the next thing.
A must-be-done is something that you or your spouse need in order to feel at peace in your home. If neither of you minds a few dirty dishes in the sink, then let them soak. If tripping over laundry causes a stress attack, then start there. Do that. It’s the next thing.
Eating the pie one bite at a time helps prevent choking
You may be hungry enough to scarf down a whole pie at once. You know better than to try, however. Life’s like this. Yes, you wear many hats and have many responsibilities. Trying to manage them all at once is a recipe for disaster. Your emotional, mental and physical health may suffer.
Savoring your pie one bite at a time lets you enjoy it more. Prioritizing your tasks and just doing the next thing, helps you savor life. Which thing should be next? It’s the task, duty or activity you consider highest priority at that moment. Determine what it is and do that and only that. Don’t worry about anything else until that one thing is accomplished.
Take a life break
When doing life has knocked you flat, it’s time to simply “be.” Some people mistake doing nothing for doing nothing. The reality is that by giving yourself permission and time to do nothing, you are doing something wonderful. You’re recharging your batteries, re-energizing your spirit, resting your mind and body and taking care of your physical, mental and emotional health.
The world will still be revolving when you get back. Your chores and work assignments will still be waiting. Do you have one of those jobs that causes you to say it’s impossible to ever take a day off? If you say you must be available 24/7 to clients, consumers, co-workers or employers, it might be time to change jobs.
Feeling overwhelmed is usually temporary
The good news is that, in most situations, you are not powerless. If you just do the next thing and take time to “be” rather than do, you’ll likely begin to feel less stressed in a surprisingly short amount of time. A bad day (or week or year) doesn’t mean life is bad.
It might mean that you need to slow down, think clearly and take back the reins so that you are able to be the best you, you can be. No one can do 10 things at once and your health may pay a dear price if you try. Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, make a list of your must-be-dones and just do the next thing.
