#JanesWorld: Coping with being overwhelmed or stressed
If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, know that you are not alone. It's practically a part of life with work and personal commitments.
Psychologists Paul Boschell offers KZN listeners tips on how to deal with being overwhelmed, then read more in the podcast below;
In the last couple of years, I have dealt with a lot of overwhelmed days.
Stress comes in many forms, but too much of a particular stress can lead to a sense of feeling overwhelmed. I find that it is important to find coping mechanisms to take back control of your life.
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No words can explain the overwhelming feeling of transitioning from a mom of one to a mother of three small children. The fear of how were we going to manage financially, emotionally, and, for me, physically carrying twins.
There was the overwhelming craziness of juggling motherhood, a job, a marriage, a home, and somewhere in the middle finding a gap for myself.
We still find ourselves worrying about not having enough money to safeguard their future and it makes me feel anxious at times, but I am comforted by the richness of the love we share.
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In our home, love is a constant and it is deep and connected. Mr T and I try our best, always.
I want you all to know that I also have days where I bumble along counting my blessings and chanting gratitude, but inside I feel stressed and low. Indeed, some days are easier to navigate than others, but regardless I get through them and so will you.
Here are a few tips, as shared by psychologist Paul Boschell to help you in those overwhelming moments:
- Take a walk: This can provide you with some perspective so you can return in a new frame of mind.
- Take a breath: If you're not in a position to leave, you can feel better right away by practicing breathing exercises.
- Take a mental break: With practice, you can easily access your "happy place" and quickly feel calmer when stressed.
- Reframe your situation: If you can look at your situation differently, you may be able to put it into a different perspective — one that causes you less stress!