When I feel overwhelmed by circumstances,
my first instinct is to step away from my brain . . .
I am either likely to pick up a hammer
and start putting up pictures,
dig holes in the garden with my wonderful, handled shovel . . .
grab a dishcloth
and scrub the butcher block and cast iron pans,
or engage in some other physical activity
doing easy things that I have put off doing..
Depending on what is overwhelming me,
I also might engage in putting together jigsaw puzzles . . .
online
because the cats insist on helping
if I try to do it on a table.
Mindless activity opens my imagination
and no matter what puzzle I choose to do
I get a vibe from it
and create a story from the picture,
and build another world.
Going out to the gardens when I feel like this
often agitates me more,
because I see all of the things I should be doing,
but I can’t do them with a brain that’s about to explode.
So I stick with the numbing
until I can bear to face what has overwhelmed me . . .
meditate,
bake bread,
sing,
and visit the gardens.
These last things
strengthen me for the next assault on my soul. ♥
Dear Sparrow, you sound like a seasoned warrior to me. Doing things with your hands sounds like a healthy outlet too, shaking out some energy to face whatever the big thing is looking at your soul. Wishing you clarity and beauty.
I hit the wrong button, and my entry didn’t save. I guess it’s a reminder of don’t sweat the small stuff. 🇺🇸🙏🏼today remembering the fallen soldiers who made many sacrifices, this Memorial Day.
Focusing on my breathing starts to help right away. Taking a short walk outside depending on the weather also helps. Going to bed early, (as I’m more night owl) pausing to place all that is overwhelming into the Creator’s care. Calling a couple folks also helps. 🇺🇸today remembering the fallen on Memorial Day 🙏🏼🇺🇸
Some things replenish energy, some provide calm or relaxation, which is another way of replenishing.
Dark chocolate, for sure, and coffee.
Naps.
A hot bath is an escape but doesn’t actually replenish energy–it’s more relaxing/draining/calming.
Cooking or baking can do it at times.
Changing what I’m doing.
Looking out my office window hoping to see some birds at the feeder or in the birdbath.
Going outside to look at the sky and smell fresh air.
Visiting the plants in my garden and cheering on the progress of the seedlings, listening to the bees buzzing in the berries and the sounds of birds in the trees.
Walking 2-3 laps around our little neighborhood loop, which takes ~15 minutes.
Writing a “ta-da” list instead of a to-do list. A ta-da list has everything I’ve done that day, no matter how small. It’s always longer than I’d think.
Lying down on the floor and feeling my back unwind (and hearing the little crackling sounds it might make), then putting my legs up the wall for a few minutes.
And sometimes if I’m overwhelmed the best thing to do isn’t to replenish energy in order to keep on doing things. It’s to give myself permission to put my legs up, sit on the sofa with a warm cat on my lap, and give everything a rest.
Being overwhelmed can really sap my energy.
It helps to remind myself to be grateful for the life that I have. All of it.
I also try to remember that I have somehow managed to get through other difficult or overwhelming experiences before.
And I now that I’m thinking about it, getting outside and being physical, to some extent, really helps. A walk, a bike ride, a hike, sitting in my little backyard for a few minutes, anything that gets me out of my head and gets my blood pumping, seems to be one of the best ways of treating myself for this common malaise.
”I also try to remember that I have somehow managed to get through other difficult or overwhelming experiences before.”
I have a terrible habit,
dear Charlie,
that comes out when I am having a panic attack . . .
that I’ve never gone insane from one,
nor have I died from one,
but that doesn’t mean
it won’t happen this time.
I’m never 100% sure.
Sitting down and doing some spiritual reading, even if I can find only 5 minutes to really relax and focus on the words. Being in the company of a wise person like Thich Nhat Hanh or Peace Pilgrim for even 5 minutes can help to reset my perspective.
When I’m feeling overwhelmed, getting out into nature helps to calm me.
There’s nothing like fresh air, trees, greenery of all types, and the ever present sky above.
If I really need a reset, going to the beach works best for me.
Ocean, sand and sky, as far as I can see,
Problems shrink in size as the waves come roaring or gently lapping in.
My intention for today is to be present to my life
That’s the way to experience it instead of missing it.
🥰🥰🥰
If I could,
I would love to live on the ocean,
dear Joseph,
but not a tropical shore . . .
a wild New England shore
with mountains at my back
and waves furling in front,
but finances
and environmental concerns
keep me from being more than a grateful visitor. ♥
There’s an assumption in today’s question that overwhelm relates to a lack of energy. I’ll speak for the situation where overwhelm comes with plenty of energy and no ability to do much, which has happened because I have an injury. The overwhelm becomes: I need to do a lot and I can’t! What helps me refocus and feel less frustrated is slowly, carefully doing one thing at a time. If needed, taking a step back and writing down what is in my control and what’s not. Playing soothing music. Doing whatever it takes to be present and expand time, because that is the kind of attention needed to heal.
I hope your injuries heal quickly,
dear Drea . . .
they can haul a person down into depression,
especially
if the healing process looks long and difficult. ♥
Dear Sparrow, I think I’m lucky this time, it seems to be on the milder end of things. My next task is to be patient with my body and support it in healing. Injuries really can haul a person into depression if they’re long enough, that is an astute way of putting it. I’m grateful this one injury has long-term demands on me, but isn’t laying me out for too long.
Thank you Joseph. I try to use injuries as an opportunity to learn new things about my body and appreciate its complexity and the ways in which it is trying to communicate with me. Makes the pain a little more tolerable.
Pausing and breathing- paying attention to this moment helps replenish my energy. At the same time letting go of the mind of overwhelmed and the self who holds this kind of mind. Keep letting go.
Getting out in nature especially this time of year. Yesterday I took our family dog for a walk at a pond near by and found a path that went around it. It was a mostly cloudy day but the sun came out while walking. Mostly people fishing there so it was a nice find the path. Saturday there were showers off and on but I decided to drive to the ocean after a medical appointment. Just as I arrived there was beautiful rainbow overlooking Narragansett Beach. I also went to Mass at my old church. Has been a good mentally replenishing week-end despite chilly temps here. I look forward to warmer temps and time spent out on Narragansett Bay on the sailboat!
Give yourself the gift of free bi-monthly inspiration including uplifting articles, diverse stories, supportive practices, videos, and more, delivered with heart to your inbox.
When I feel overwhelmed by circumstances,
my first instinct is to step away from my brain . . .
I am either likely to pick up a hammer
and start putting up pictures,
dig holes in the garden with my wonderful, handled shovel . . .
grab a dishcloth
and scrub the butcher block and cast iron pans,
or engage in some other physical activity
doing easy things that I have put off doing..
Depending on what is overwhelming me,
I also might engage in putting together jigsaw puzzles . . .
online
because the cats insist on helping
if I try to do it on a table.
Mindless activity opens my imagination
and no matter what puzzle I choose to do
I get a vibe from it
and create a story from the picture,
and build another world.
Going out to the gardens when I feel like this
often agitates me more,
because I see all of the things I should be doing,
but I can’t do them with a brain that’s about to explode.
So I stick with the numbing
until I can bear to face what has overwhelmed me . . .
meditate,
bake bread,
sing,
and visit the gardens.
These last things
strengthen me for the next assault on my soul. ♥
Dear Sparrow, you sound like a seasoned warrior to me. Doing things with your hands sounds like a healthy outlet too, shaking out some energy to face whatever the big thing is looking at your soul. Wishing you clarity and beauty.
Thank you,
dear Drea . . .
I perceive a seasoned warrior in you too . . .
you are one of the reasons
I come to this place. ♥
So are you, Sparrow!
I hit the wrong button, and my entry didn’t save. I guess it’s a reminder of don’t sweat the small stuff. 🇺🇸🙏🏼today remembering the fallen soldiers who made many sacrifices, this Memorial Day.
Focusing on my breathing starts to help right away. Taking a short walk outside depending on the weather also helps. Going to bed early, (as I’m more night owl) pausing to place all that is overwhelming into the Creator’s care. Calling a couple folks also helps. 🇺🇸today remembering the fallen on Memorial Day 🙏🏼🇺🇸
Some things replenish energy, some provide calm or relaxation, which is another way of replenishing.
Dark chocolate, for sure, and coffee.
Naps.
A hot bath is an escape but doesn’t actually replenish energy–it’s more relaxing/draining/calming.
Cooking or baking can do it at times.
Changing what I’m doing.
Looking out my office window hoping to see some birds at the feeder or in the birdbath.
Going outside to look at the sky and smell fresh air.
Visiting the plants in my garden and cheering on the progress of the seedlings, listening to the bees buzzing in the berries and the sounds of birds in the trees.
Walking 2-3 laps around our little neighborhood loop, which takes ~15 minutes.
Writing a “ta-da” list instead of a to-do list. A ta-da list has everything I’ve done that day, no matter how small. It’s always longer than I’d think.
Lying down on the floor and feeling my back unwind (and hearing the little crackling sounds it might make), then putting my legs up the wall for a few minutes.
And sometimes if I’m overwhelmed the best thing to do isn’t to replenish energy in order to keep on doing things. It’s to give myself permission to put my legs up, sit on the sofa with a warm cat on my lap, and give everything a rest.
Being overwhelmed can really sap my energy.
It helps to remind myself to be grateful for the life that I have. All of it.
I also try to remember that I have somehow managed to get through other difficult or overwhelming experiences before.
And I now that I’m thinking about it, getting outside and being physical, to some extent, really helps. A walk, a bike ride, a hike, sitting in my little backyard for a few minutes, anything that gets me out of my head and gets my blood pumping, seems to be one of the best ways of treating myself for this common malaise.
”I also try to remember that I have somehow managed to get through other difficult or overwhelming experiences before.”
I have a terrible habit,
dear Charlie,
that comes out when I am having a panic attack . . .
that I’ve never gone insane from one,
nor have I died from one,
but that doesn’t mean
it won’t happen this time.
I’m never 100% sure.
Gratitude
Just said i don´t know. Now, I would go out, may be the sun is shining, so great to take a walk outside then. Greetings to all of you.
Sitting down and doing some spiritual reading, even if I can find only 5 minutes to really relax and focus on the words. Being in the company of a wise person like Thich Nhat Hanh or Peace Pilgrim for even 5 minutes can help to reset my perspective.
When I’m feeling overwhelmed, getting out into nature helps to calm me.
There’s nothing like fresh air, trees, greenery of all types, and the ever present sky above.
If I really need a reset, going to the beach works best for me.
Ocean, sand and sky, as far as I can see,
Problems shrink in size as the waves come roaring or gently lapping in.
My intention for today is to be present to my life
That’s the way to experience it instead of missing it.
🥰🥰🥰
Always enjoy the ocean when I am close enough to check it out.
It always amazes me how much of it there is.
If I could,
I would love to live on the ocean,
dear Joseph,
but not a tropical shore . . .
a wild New England shore
with mountains at my back
and waves furling in front,
but finances
and environmental concerns
keep me from being more than a grateful visitor. ♥
Ah, the ocean is magical! I’m in a landlocked state and do miss it. Hope you get to enjoy being outside today.
I was in and out today. It’s pretty hot outside these days. 😎☀️☀️
Taking my dog for a long walk.
I bet your dog enjoys it too! ♥️
There’s an assumption in today’s question that overwhelm relates to a lack of energy. I’ll speak for the situation where overwhelm comes with plenty of energy and no ability to do much, which has happened because I have an injury. The overwhelm becomes: I need to do a lot and I can’t! What helps me refocus and feel less frustrated is slowly, carefully doing one thing at a time. If needed, taking a step back and writing down what is in my control and what’s not. Playing soothing music. Doing whatever it takes to be present and expand time, because that is the kind of attention needed to heal.
Sending healing energy and wishing you a speedy recovery Drea.
Thanks so much Michele.
I hope your injuries heal quickly,
dear Drea . . .
they can haul a person down into depression,
especially
if the healing process looks long and difficult. ♥
Dear Sparrow, I think I’m lucky this time, it seems to be on the milder end of things. My next task is to be patient with my body and support it in healing. Injuries really can haul a person into depression if they’re long enough, that is an astute way of putting it. I’m grateful this one injury has long-term demands on me, but isn’t laying me out for too long.
Injuries are the pits Drea. Be kind and listen to the body along with some healthy vibes your way.
Thank you Joseph. I try to use injuries as an opportunity to learn new things about my body and appreciate its complexity and the ways in which it is trying to communicate with me. Makes the pain a little more tolerable.
I like your strategy. Being injured is so difficult. Sorry you are going through that.
Sending some healing energy. 🙏
Thank you Charlie.
Drea, I’m so sorry you have an injury.
Sending healing thoughts to you.
Thank you Mary.
Just to stop. Doing a creative activity, sharing, listening, and reaching out are all helpful to me.
Reaching out (to the right person) helps me a lot too, Yram.
Pausing and breathing- paying attention to this moment helps replenish my energy. At the same time letting go of the mind of overwhelmed and the self who holds this kind of mind. Keep letting go.
Yes, keep letting go. Thanks Antoinette!
Getting out in nature especially this time of year. Yesterday I took our family dog for a walk at a pond near by and found a path that went around it. It was a mostly cloudy day but the sun came out while walking. Mostly people fishing there so it was a nice find the path. Saturday there were showers off and on but I decided to drive to the ocean after a medical appointment. Just as I arrived there was beautiful rainbow overlooking Narragansett Beach. I also went to Mass at my old church. Has been a good mentally replenishing week-end despite chilly temps here. I look forward to warmer temps and time spent out on Narragansett Bay on the sailboat!
If possible, I take a walk.
Sometimes just getting out of the house helps, and nowadays, I’ll go to a local library and draw or sketch.
I know I have had fewer times that I’d say were overwhelming, since I picked up my guitar. I now play daily for an hour or more.