From overwhelmed to Grounded with 4 easy steps

I recently listened to Mel Robbins' podcast regarding Overwhelm, and it was an eye-opener. Here's the summary....the four practical steps that can help you deal with overwhelm.

Step 1: Label it! It is important to label whether you are overwhelmed or stressed. How do you do it?

• Stress: It is the pressure that you feel regarding a situation or a task, but you are still in control, and it requires problem-solving. Also, not all stress is bad. Some types of stress are good and help you get things done!

• Overwhelm: Psychological flooding, where too much is coming at you and most of it is out of your control. And your brain says, "I am done!"

Step 2: Breathing reset. Breathing is the only physiological activity with voluntary and involuntary control. And it helps reset the overwhelm response. Take two quick breaths in succession, then exhale slowly. Repeat this 10 times or until you feel calmer.

Step 3: Brain dump. Set a timer for 10 minutes and just write down everything that is bothering you on paper. Write down every worry, task, or unfinished item. Mel says if you do this before sleeping, it will help you fall asleep faster. 

Step 4: Choose and do one active challenge that you can control. Mel and Dr K explain that passive challenges are the ones that we didn't choose and can't control, versus active challenges, which are the ones that we choose and can control. It can be as simple as taking a 15-minute walk. Completing one active challenge gives you the feeling of control again, reducing your overwhelm. 

This may not tackle everything that makes you feel overwhelmed, but it will strengthen your ability to manage it. Remember, sometimes the best way forward begins with calm breaths and just one small step. Give it a try, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

I believe this will truly help you progress and feel more in control.