091: Five ways to deal with overwhelm

In this episode, Mia and Dinah discuss the common experience of overwhelm and share practical tips and strategies for managing it effectively.

They explore the contributors to overwhelm, such as perfectionism, decision fatigue, multitasking, and comparisonitis. They emphasise the importance of mindset shifts, time management, setting boundaries, self-care, mindfulness, and organising and decluttering as key strategies for dealing with overwhelm.

Contributors to Overwhelm

Mia and Dinah discuss the contributions to overwhelm including:

Perfectionism: which can lead to overwhelming feelings of fear of failure and the need to do everything perfectly
Decision Fatigue and Cognitive Overload: the constant bombardment of information and the need to make numerous decisions can lead to cognitive overload and overwhelm
Multitasking is not an effective way to manage tasks and can contribute to being overwhelmed.
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and Comparisonitis: shifting focus to gratitude, setting personal goals, and recognising one's progress can help combat comparisonitis.

Procrastination and Avoidance: breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps and setting realistic deadlines can help overcome procrastination.
Perceived Lack of Control: Recognising what is within your control and focusing on actions, reactions, and thoughts can help you regain control.

Mia and Dinah then discuss the strategies for managing overwhelm.

Mindset Shifts

Embracing a growth mindset and challenging negative self-talk can help alleviate overwhelm.

Time Management

Prioritising tasks, setting realistic deadlines, and blocking out time for specific activities can improve time management and reduce overwhelm.

Setting Boundaries

Identifying personal boundaries and effectively communicating them to others can help prevent overwhelm.

Self-Care

Engaging in self-care activities, such as walking, journaling, hobbies, and connecting with others, can help manage overwhelm.

Mindfulness and Stress Reduction

Practising mindfulness and meditation techniques, such as controlled breathing and being fully present in the moment, can reduce stress and overwhelm.

Organising and Decluttering

Creating an organised environment and decluttering spaces can promote a sense of calm and reduce overwhelm.

It is important to remember that seeking professional help from a mental health professional is recommended for those experiencing chronic overwhelm or anxiety.

Resources

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