One day at a time you can do it!
When we feel overwhelmed often times it is by our schedule, our to-do list, or the people that are around us. Some of those items cannot be changed, however there are some of those items that you simply think you cannot change.
Overwhelm, this is a word that brings such negativity and weighs you down. Let’s change it for a different word or phrase…
How to feel lighter and in control today.
Doesn’t that feel better??? I want to feel lighter. I want to feel in control of my feelings and my day. Let’s make it happen!
Step 1: Start in the evening.
Each evening as you climb into bed, set your intentions for the next day.
You can do this by adding reminders to your phone for the next day, in a hand written planner, or on a pad of paper, but take the time to do it! Then look at the list and think to yourself “Can I realistically do all of these items tomorrow or is there something I should take off the list?”
Then take that list and put the items in order. I like to notate which things HAVE to be done that day and which items I would hope to get done, but could happen on a different day if I didn’t get to them.
Some of the items on your list can include “read to my child”, “go to the park”, “bake cookies”. This is a list of all of your intentions for the next day and remember to keep it realistic. It you feel overwhelmed by the list tonight, guess how you’re going to wake up?
Step 2: Choose to wake up on the Right side of the bed.
You’ve set your intentions for the day, you know what you want your day to look like, so make it happen!
Whether you wake up to an alarm or to a baby crying, take a few moments to visualize your day. Think through your schedule and the items you have on your list to complete and imagine yourself accomplishing all of those things. Some mornings you might have to do this super speed, or maybe you find that the shower is the best place for you. I personally like to do it while my eyes are still closed before my feet hit the floor.
However you do it, take a few moments to walk through your day and imagine the success you will enjoy that day.
Step 3: Talk Positive
Affirmations – Affirmations – Affirmations!
If you know me you know I’m a huge advocate for positive affirmations. If you wake up in the morning to a child poking you in the eye, a big zit on your face, and the shower water running cold you just might say “Man, this is going to be one of those days!” And guess what?! You said it! It will be “one of those days”.
OR YOU CAN CHANGE IT! Yes, that’s right! Instead of “This is so frustrating!” How about “I’m looking forward to walking my dog today.” Instead of “I can’t do anything right today.” How about “I’ve got today handled.” Instead of “I’m such an idiot.” How about “I am strong, smart and capable.”
You can do this! You are strong, smart, capable, talented, happy. You just have to believe it. If you are unfamiliar with affirmations check out my post on mentally strong affirmations.
Step 4: Stick to Your List
You might have other things thrown your way during a day (a social engagement, a work task, some family drama that begs your attention). It’s okay to say NO!
Are you the “YES MAN!” A great Jim Carrey film where he starts saying yes to everything, until it becomes too much.
I’m not saying don’t be spontaneous, I’m just saying if you are trying to move from a feeling of overwhelm to a feeling of lightness and ease in your life then allow yourself to say no to things that will push you over the edge. Don’t add more to your plate then is necessary and allow yourself to say “I would love to do that, Wednesday would work great for me.”
When I was in the throes of fibromyalgia I struggled with social anxiety so bad that on the day of an event I would feel sick. I came to discover that if I had a social event scheduled for the evening I needed to clear my afternoon, take a nap, and not add any extra items on my list of things to do that day. If you are in that place, give yourself some grace, tell yourself you can do it, and be at peace with where you are.
Step 5: Get Outside
We all know getting outside is good for us but do we realize HOW good?!
I’ve recently discovered why I LOVE walking on the sand and grass in my bare-feet SO much! There is a thing called “grounding“, have you heard of it? It’s actually scientifically backed that due to the earth’s amount of negatively charged electrons we can actually absorb the earth’s electrons. However, this only happens from contact with our skin. So while the sand and grass feel good on our feet, it’s even more than that. This idea of grounding can actually have an intense anti-inflammatory and energizing effect on the body! Can you believe that?! Don’t we all need a little more of that?!
So go breathe in some fresh air, watch the sunset, go for a walk, or take your lunch outside and enjoy some of the benefits of being outdoors!
