Are You Overwhelmed?
By Sara Butler
People wear many hats in their everyday lives. You may be a parent, a spouse, a sibling or a boss – all at once. Being pulled in so many directions by so many people over the course of the day can take its toll on you, making you emotional, cranky and feeling as if you have nothing left to give. This is how people reach burnout and are very unhappy on their way there. How can you tell if you’re getting there? Here are a few signs you may be overwhelmed and what you can do about it.
You’re Tired All the Time
If you’re constantly feeling as if you need a nap even though you got enough sleep the night before, then this might be a sign you’ve got too much going on. Your body may be resting at night but your mind may still be on. You can try to fight against this by implementing a bedtime routine to help you calm your mind as well as your body.
You can try a hot bath or shower in the hour before bed, or sip on some chamomile tea. Try using lavender oil next to your bed to help you relax and find calm. These things may make it easier for you to turn your mind off at night so you can actually rest.
You’re High Strung
Do you find yourself being snappy and irritable? Or do things make you jumpy throughout the day? If you feel as if you’re becoming jumpy and anxious, then you need to find quiet. Find a quiet place where you can go to re-center and find a little calm. Take deep breaths in through your nose as you close your eyes and try to relax your mind. This can help you to tackle the demands of your day without pushing you over the edge.
You’re Withdrawn
If you have found yourself without the desire to go out and spend your nights at home instead of socializing with friends, then you just might be overwhelmed.
There’s nothing wrong with choosing to stay in and have some time to yourself – everyone deserves that from time to time. The problem starts when leaving the comfy confines of your house becomes a struggle and you aren’t putting in the energy to maintain important relationships in your life. If you feel this happening to you, then you should take the time you need for yourself to renew on a regular basis. This can help you to feel less like you want to stay in all the time if you’re giving yourself what you need.