4 Steps to Calm the Chaos of Overwhelm
4 Steps to Calm the Chaos of Overwhelm
“No matter how well adjusted or organized we are, we are all prone to feeling overwhelmed,” Dr. Brad says. “While feeling overwhelmed is common, it’s important to look out for your emotional and physical health by eliminating or reducing that negative energy.”
Dr. Brad’s Tips for Reducing Feelings of Overwhelm:
Learn to Say No — “Even if you’re already feeling overwhelmed, there are things and people you want to say yes to: social activities, service opportunities, your boss, your kids. But ask yourself if all those obligations are really necessary. If it’s going to stress you out, politely say no. If your boss is expecting an unrealistic deadline, remind her or him of everything on your plate and propose a different solution. If you need a personal time out from being with or helping people, take one. It’ll help you be more effective when you’re back at it!”
Let Go of Perfectionism — “Sometimes we need to learn to let go of the need to control everything or have it all turn out perfectly. No matter what people choose to show (and filter) on social media, nobody’s life is perfect. Let go of the thought of being the ideal family, spouse, or parent. Setting realistic goals is one thing (and a good thing!) but expecting perfection of yourself, others, or the circumstances of life may easily lead to feeling overwhelmed.”
Simplify — “Take regular stock of the ways you might be needlessly complicating your schedule, expectations, or day-to-day living. What can you cut loose, at least for now?”
Free Yourself Emotionally — “When life seems to pile up, you might have so many things on your task list that you don’t even know where to begin. No matter the cause, when you’re truly feeling overwhelmed you might be so stressed that you’re enveloped in negative energy. You might feel frustrated, angry, or confused more easily than you otherwise would.
“Letting go of emotional baggage like stress and overwhelm can reduce your tendency to fall back into those feelings at the drop of a hat," Dr. Brad says. "Releasing that energy could be key to breaking free from feeling overwhelmed — a potentially damaging pattern that may affect your emotional and physical health.”
About Dr. Bradley Nelson: Veteran holistic physician Dr. Bradley Nelson (D.C., ret) is one of the world’s foremost experts on natural methods of achieving wellness. He has trained thousands of certified practitioners worldwide to help people overcome physical and emotional discomfort by releasing their emotional baggage. His best-selling book "The Emotion Code" provides step-by-step instructions for working with the body's energy healing power. A newly revised and expanded edition of "The Emotion Code" is now available from St. Martin's Press. For more information and a free Emotion Code Starter Kit, visit www.emotioncodegift.com.
