How do we use our courage to work through overwhelm?
Sometimes it can be hard to admit that we are finite and frail, isn’t it? We don’t always like to admit our limitations and put ourselves in the vulnerable position of receiving help. This may scratch our ego or disrupt our image of being strong and steady. But, eventually we all get overwhelmed. The truth is being a human is hard and takes lots of courage. We might as well admit we’re not invincible.
Admitting we are overwhelmed and need help is the first step.
Overwhelm occurs when we have more than we can process. Either to do. To think about. Or, to feel. it can set in gradually or suddenly. We are vulnerable and fragile living beings. When we are pushed to our limits with no shut-off value we get overwhelmed. Which can trigger some very harsh coping behaviors. Remember, coping covers stress, instead choose to use your courage to work through the stress to a healthier place.
Here are a few signs posts to spot overwhelm :
Mild depression.
Anxiety.
Procrastination.
Inconsistent sleep habits.
Poor diet.
Drinking.
The best way to break these cycles is to avoid covering and instead look to uncover. But first learn to pull the shut-off valve so you can create the space you need to process whatever it is that is sending you into a state of overwhelm.
Ask for short term help to regain some personal time.
Get away briefly and take a break from the norm.
Purge excess thoughts and emotions; jot down those swirling thoughts and cry if needed.
Once you’ve cut the inflow of overwhelm you can:
Investigate the root causes.
Challenge internal scripts or narratives that breed overwhelm.
Choose to respond and not react in order to move through unhealthy triggers to overwhelm.
Remember, you are a human being and being a human is hard and costs courage. Don’t let overwhelm suck your courage tank dry, instead use it as an opportunity to cultivate new courage. it will take intentionality but it’s worth it.
LISTEN TO EPISODE 32 : Courage in Overwhelm for more insights on this topic.
Photo by Jake Pierrelee on Unsplash
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