The Overwhelm Epidemic: A 21st Century Crisis
Life is busy for most people and many of us are living in a state of overwhelm, which has become our new normal. This unhealthy state of chronic stress, if left unaddressed, leads to burnout, affecting our ability to bounce back from life's inevitable setbacks.
Understanding Overwhelm
Overwhelm can manifest as sudden strong emotions or be triggered by the sheer volume of tasks on our mental to-do list. This state of struggle can leave us feeling like we are drowning. Overwhelm often stems from stress, whether it's stress placed on us by external factors or stress we place on ourselves. Identifying the sources of stress and overwhelm is the first step toward managing them effectively.
My Personal Journey with Stress
As a mother of two young children, running a business and household, I often neglected to ask for the help I needed. This led to chronic stress, irritability, and depressive episodes. My journey through this difficult period taught me valuable lessons about the importance of understanding and managing stress. The work I did to heal myself has been some of the most meaningful learning in my life.
The Impact of Chronic Stress
Chronic, ongoing stress damages both our physical and mental health, as well as our relationships. Symptoms of chronic stress include mood issues, poor sleep, feeling wired and tired, poor concentration, weight gain, hair loss, digestive problems, and recurrent infections. Understanding what causes stress helps us manage it better.
Identifying Stress in Your Life
To determine if stress is affecting you, ask yourself these questions:
Is my sleep a problem?
Am I irritable or short-fused?
Do I get coughs and colds often?
Am I overweight?
If you answered ‘yes’ to one or more of these questions, it might be time to consider testing and treatment.
Managing stress is an ongoing process that requires regular attention and care. By making these practices a part of our daily lives, we can build resilience, enhance our quality of life, and navigate the demands of modern living with greater ease and confidence
