#Overwhelmed: What is currently on your plate that is weighing you down?
A burden shared is a burden halved...
My father in law passed away suddenly. Had a miscarriage. Our dear friend was murdered brutally. Work and studies are overwhelming. Had covid and lost the brakes on my car whilst on my way to fetch my kids from school. This has been 2022 for me..
Stress, worry, and the never-ending cycle- a reality for so many around KZN.
The days that become monotonous and an unbearable weight rests heavily on your shoulders.
It may feel like the whole world is caving in but a burden shared, is a burden halved. Always remember that.
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Coming out of lockdown, many people have been facing pressures both financially and emotionally.
The COVID-19 pandemic that brought the world to a halt changed our lives and mindsets forever.
Being so isolated with uncertainty of what the future holds caused many to develop anxiety, stress, unhealthy relationships with food, and so much more...
Although the world is seemingly returning to a state of equilibrium, so much has changed and the unpredictability of what's to come as well as the effects of what has happened still linger in the crevices of our minds.
The overwhelming pressure not only burns a hole in our minds, but also our pockets.
Many people around South Africa can attest to the financial pressures that have been faced.
We took to Facebook to ask KZN what is something that's on their plate that is weighing them down.
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Several listeners shared their burdens and stressors with us below:
- The cost of living in South Africa is just getting more crazy by the day.
- Bills.... overwhelming right now.
- The stress of finding a job in this very difficult time....
- Bill's which then weighs down on my mental health. Also petrol, fees to get my kids to school, but the petrol, that's never mind wanting to take my two anywhere.
- My mums hospital bills. I am physically and mentally exhausted.
- My university debt, I sometimes think of doing the worst because I keep missing out on a lot of opportunities because I don't have my degree with me.
As you can see, you are not alone, we have all been going through the most lately.
The most important thing to know during this difficult time is that you are strong, you are loved, you are powerful, and you can do this.
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Life's demands are weighing me down. Bills accumulate. No matter how much you work, that is not enough. Food prices, the cost of just staying alive are increasing.
So, now that we know the cause of our stress, what can we do?
There are several ways to manage things during this very difficult time...
Finding things that bring you joy and relief. Things that help you "take a breath"..Whether it be reading a book, a long walk on the beach, meditation or exercise, all will assist in stopping the spiral.
Another is to ask for help and learn to say no. If there is too much on your plate, you need to pick a different restaurant or shed the load.
Most importantly, talking to someone and sharing the burden will give you insight as to what to do in this difficult time and offer relief.
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We believe in you! You can get through this.
"Sometimes the best thing you can do is not think, not imagine, not obsess. Just breathe and have faith that everything will work out for the best."
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Image courtesy of Stacey and J Sbu