Monday Mindset: What do we do with moments of overwhelm?
OVERWHELM. --- It is a completely normal response to stress --- however it can affect our MENTAL and PHYSICAL health.
WHAT DO WE DO when we are completely overcome with feelings "out of control" and we are unable to cope?
Do we throw in the towel, or do we keep moving forward?
***There are CHOICES, important choices to be made.
Overwhelm due to the stress and realities of everyday life, choices we have made from our past, taking on 'a bit' too much, lack of daily discipline..., the emotional stress of fear,...all that comes from loving others..., overwhelm with what we feel 'needs' to be done in the present moment --- stress that comes with a list of 75+ things that needed to be done yesterday and you just CANNOT take one step forward --- THIS IS OVERWHELM PRESENTING OPPORTUNITY.
OPPORTUNITY for REAL and VERY POWERFUL GROWTH!
"The relationship b/w stress and growth is complex and multifaceted. While stress is often associated with negative health outcomes, it can influence growth in various ways."
OVERWHELM---STRESS MANAGEMENT is CRUCIAL for PHYSICAL and MENTAL HEALTH as well as IMPORTANT GROWTH in ALL AREAS OF LIFE.
#1. HALT Are you hungry, angry, lonely, or tired? If you are ANY of these things, STAND UP and take care of whichever need is present.
#2. RESIST THE URGE to connect with and lash out at others due to your stress/overwhelm. Remember, your words matter A LOT.
#3. Go outside, GROUND and BREATHE! Take at least 3 very long, deep inhales (a count of 4 to 6), through your nose and COMPLETELY exhale slowly (try for a count of 4 to 6).
#4. Take ONE STEP, do ONE THING --- and if that is to call someone and ask where and how to get started --- how to take and WHAT step to take next --- your next GROWTH journey has begun. CONGRATULATIONS!
We will dive deeper into the practice of stress management--overwhelm. The above four steps will allow you IMMEDIATE calming and relief from overwhelm.
REMEMBER, YOU MATTER. AND YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STATE, MATTER GREATLY. Let's be ACCOUNTABLE.
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If your overwhelm is due to unimaginable circumstances, you are lifted in special intention prayer. Reaching out for Spiritual and/or professional counseling could help; let me know if you need resources.
Scripture Reflection:
2 Corinthians 4:8-9: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Love and prayers,
Carroll 💙
