5 Ways to Come Back from Overwhelm and Confusion

Have you ever had a day (or week) when you just can't quite get on top of your mood.  You feel hazy, foggy, you know you have a sh&t load to do, but you can't seem to prioritize it!

That was me this week.

I recently began a new part time job, upped the hours of another one, started an new cerification program (more on that later)  and continue to run my coaching practice and prioritize being a present Mama to my to wee ones!  All these things are related to a bigger life dream I have and am executing and I love all of them, but this week got to me!

The familiar feelings of confusion and overwhelm started to creep into my physiology again.  The same feelings I would get as a young woman in my 20s who constantly overbooked myself with teaching/coaching, social, job and volunteer committments!  I could feel the brain fog set in, my breathing become sporadic and short, fatigue, overstimulated by public places and ruminating on thoughts that are neither productive or nurturing to my sensitive system...mostly just thinking over and over about how and in what order I would do things but not really getting anything done.  Of all the modes we women (and men) go through, this one is the most frustrating for me becasue it is the least efficient and productive.

Then I remembered...

I'm a grown-up now!  And I actually believe (despite what our culture will advocate) in resting, relaxing and rejuvenation.  I believe in mindfulness. 

Slowing down....s-l-o-w-i-n-g-d-o-w-n! 

As slow as you must in order to lock back into the present moment.  I now only believe in and know this stuff, but I CHOOSE it! 

So for you (and me) here is a list a things you can do to gentle ease the overwhelm and confusion when it arises:

1) Slow way, way down!  This does not only include your body, but also your mind.  Feel like you have slowed?  Great...then move to step 2.

2) Do some CONSCIOUS INTENTIONAL movement.  Shake. Dance. Do a few sun salutations.  Go for a walk.  Move with the only intention being, well, to move.  When your mind wonders, bring awareness back to your breath. "I am moving. I am breathing."

3) Engage your senses.  This state of being can keep you out of the present moment very easily.  Stop.  Smell a flower.  Make a slow cup of tea.  Smell your baby's hair.  Just sit and really BE with your children....just watch them, observe every little part of their play and interaction.  Eat a decedent meal.  Make soup.

4) DO only what is necessary for the functioning of the day.  Make a decision that you will only make dinner and that's it...(or get take out and you're free and clear for the day :) )!   Everything else can wait.  Believe me.  Life is forgiving and the Universe is conspiring for your happiness.  Trust the co-creator.  Lean on your co-pilot and TRUST.

5) Rest. Nap.  Go to bed early. Put your feet up.  Not to catch up on your reading, or write a grocery list.  Rest with the intention of resting...that's it.  When we are in a state of overwhelm and confusion our bodies need time to integrate and catch up...so you can either fight that natural process, or just rest.  Sleep. Breathe. Rest.

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