Do you ever feel like you have too much on your plate? You’re not alone. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing some of the common mistakes we make when we are overwhelmed, and how to avoid them. Keep reading to find out more about overcoming overwhelm and getting back on track.
We all make mistakes. For example, we hit the send button on that important email before double-checking it. Write the wrong date down for our next healthcare appointment. Oops!
Living in a state of constantly feeling overwhelmed can make things worse. You may find yourself reacting instead of being proactive. It can also lead you to make additional mistakes that only compound your feelings of overwhelm.
Common Mistakes We Make When Feeling Overwhelmed
We are always going to make mistakes, it’s simply part of being human. When it comes to feeling overwhelmed, it is helpful to realise the common mistakes made so that you can avoid them:
You believe that you don’t have time to do things differently
You might be aware of tools and people that can help you when you are in the thick of being overwhelmed. Yet, you may feel you don’t have time to use them on this occasion. There’s often an investment of time needed up front and you just can’t afford it today. You believe you’ll get around to it another time. But do you? Not usually. For example you may have caring responsibilities. Getting care assistance would help beat the overwhelm but you know it will take time to find and interview the right person. So you don’t do it this time. Sometimes, it helps to do ‘good enough’ and get help for your situation now, not later. Do you see the cycle?
You believe that feeling overwhelmed is a sign of weakness
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you may struggle with self-talk. You may find yourself thinking “I shouldn’t be struggling. This isn’t that hard.” Remember that you’re juggling a lot and it’s not easy. If you start criticising yourself for being unable to handle everything on your schedule, don’t beat yourself up. Give yourself a break. Take a deep breath, practice some self-compassion and remember that you can handle it.
You force your mind to focus without breaks
Your brain needs a break from all the work you are putting it through. Take a break from all the hard work and give your unconscious thoughts a chance to come to the surface. Go for a walk, doodle, or just let your mind wander – who knows, it might just come up with the solution to a problem you’ve been stuck on. Taking a break can do wonders.
You withdraw into your shell
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s easy to shut out the people who are trying to help you and focus all your energy on just getting through your to-do list. You might even get a bit snippy with them, but it’s important to take a break and reconnect with your family and friends. A little time away from the stress can help you feel refreshed and ready to tackle the next task.
We all get overwhelmed at times, but it’s important to recognise when it’s happening and take steps to avoid common mistakes. Taking time to try doing things differently, changing your self-talk, taking breaks and reconnecting with family and friends, are all great ways to start managing your overwhelm. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try implementing some of these strategies and see how they work for you. Good luck!