Introduction
Following on from last weeks article I thought that I would write three specialised articles that can be identified in greater detail than what we discussed last week, whilst allowing us to realise just how broad last weeks subject can in fact be.
In many ways this weeks title is quite appropriate, as we can in fact be overwhelmed by the chaos that we can find ourselves in. This leads on to another problem, stress. To complete the picture for now, “Stress Management” will in fact follow the last article in this trilogy, “Slow Down”, which is a perfect foil to the aricle on stress.
Let us have a look at a few ways which we can use to help us unwind when we are feeling overwhelmed.
Do you sometimes feel as though everything and everybody is coming at you from all angles all at once? It could be work, the children our spouse or partner, to name but just a few, thus making us wonder why we never have time to unwind. It is not surprising that if you never have a break that you can very quickly become overwhelmed.
So What Can We Do?
A few suggestions that just might help you as you try to feel less overwhelmed, or when you try to unwind.
Try Asking a Question
If something new appears what do you do? Simply ask yourself a simple question, is this what is causing my problem? If so this could be the ideal time to start setting a few boundaries. It is surprising but if you start to say “No”, you will notice that a lot of your tension unwinds every time you do so.
Try Bringing Nature Indoors
A number of studies that a calmer atmosphere can be created when natural elements or even some fresh geenery, a hint can be enough. You could add a plant, or more than one if you wish, what about a collection of seashells, you could even try a Buddha board or a small Zen Garden to your area or space. When you are feeling stressed make it a point to focus on these elements to help you unwind.
Listen to a Tune
Do you have a song or piece of music which, when you hear it you feel calm and peaceful. Try playing it when you need that quick moment to help you unwind. Have to be honest, I love music and can think of quite a number that I could play to help me relax and be calm.
Try Using a Scent
It may surprise you to know that there is a lot science behind Aromatherapy. It is a fact that there are some smells which are really helpful in easing anxiety. As an example just a whiff of lavender, bergamot or even frankincense will almost immediately help you feel calmer.
Go Outside
You can if you wish go for a short walk, or do as I often do, open the back door, take just a pace outside, then take deep lungfulls of fresh air, it is surprising how it helps you put a different perspective on things, also helping you to feel calm and relaxed. A short walk has a similar effect, as you can have a lot of thoughts about a number of things when walking, even a short distance.
Smile
Or as some would say put on your “Happy Face”. It is a fact that not only does a smile change the shape of our faces, but it can quickly change our mood, it also gives your brain a burst of endorphins, these in fact are responsible for making us happy. A strange fact, but possibly the best part! Even if you are not feeling it at the beginning, a smile can help you unwind. The reason for this, is that fake smiles often turn into real ones very quickly.
Why Not Set an Alarm
This one may surprise you, but, sometimes we need help to enable us to have a change of attitude towards unwinding. One idea is to set the alarm on your phone to ring at several defined times of day. When an alrm goes off take a minute and read an affimation, have a quick meditation moment, just taking a few deep breaths does also help, this helps you unwind, before going back to the previous task.
Conclusion
Not all of the above thoughts, suggestions or ideas are going to work, but you do need to be patient, keeping calm as you try each one, do not get frustrated with yourself. Have a try with each suggestion until you find the best methods which you feel give you the space to breathe. It is vital to your mental health that you do unwind.
The next article which will be published on Monday will be “Keep Life Simple”
Stay healthy
Stuart
https://healthyyouonline.com
As someone who is new to the topic of stress management and feeling overwhelmed, I found your article quite helpful with its practical suggestions for unwinding. I’ve often experienced situations where everything seems to be coming at me all at once, and I struggle to find time for myself. I’m curious about the “Try Using a Scent” suggestion you mentioned.
You mentioned that there is science behind Aromatherapy and certain smells can help ease anxiety. I’ve heard about lavender being associated with relaxation, but I’m not familiar with bergamot or frankincense. Could you explain a bit more about these scents and how they can help in calming the mind? Is there a specific way to use these scents, such as using essential oils or candles, to get the most benefit from them?
Additionally, I noticed the “Go Outside” suggestion, which suggests going for a short walk or just stepping outside and taking deep breaths of fresh air. I agree that being in nature can be calming, but I’m curious about the potential benefits of simply taking a short walk versus just stepping outside briefly. Are there any specific benefits associated with each of these activities, or can they both help in achieving a sense of calm and relaxation?
Lastly, I found the idea of setting an alarm and incorporating affirmations or meditation moments throughout the day intriguing. How do affirmations and quick meditation sessions help in unwinding? Are there any specific affirmations or meditation techniques that are particularly effective in reducing stress and overwhelm?
Thank you for sharing these practical tips, and I’m looking forward to learning more about keeping life simple in your next article.
Thank you so much for your very detailed reply. Sincere apologies for the delay in replying, seemed to have a lost at least a day in my mails, just doing an in depth search now to see what I have missed, have been out a lot be that is no excuse.
Will do my best to answer your questions, but I am not a total expert on some things, OK on anything. lol.
Regarding the use of scents, those mentioned are supposed to help you relax, as regards the use of them I used to have a lavender garden, walking among them in Summer was certainly relaxing as the smell was simply superb. Both candles and oils can be useful as well.
Regarding the short walk, this gives you longer to think and relax, stepping outside is just a brief, grab some air and calm down.
Affirmations help by concentrating on what you are reading, Meditation is a total relax technique.
Hope this helps.
Stay relaxed,
Stuart
I feel overwhelmed lots of times during the day. I need to work on my online business, I need to walk the dog, I need to take care of the household, and the kids and cooking. Everything is getting too much and overwhelming. But it is good that I walk the dog, because that gives me a fresh head, sometimes quite literally! I will also think about using a scent, any specific scents that are calming and makes you focus again? Lavender maybe?
Hi Lizzy,
First off may I apologize for not replying before to your comments, managed to somehow miss a day or so e mails. It is surprising how quickly we can become overwhelmed. Lavender sounds good, used to smell mine in the garden when I grew a lot of them.
Take care
Stuart
Hi Stuart. I completely agree with getting outside when feeling overwhelmed. It’s exactly what I do – I take the dogs for a short walk. It gets me away from the triggers of feeling overwhelmed and helps me reset. Walking has become one of my favourite exercises and getting the blood pumping and the endorphins going really helps to settle me down.
Hi Christopher, first of all sincere apologies for not repling before, missed the email, OK It is an age thing, loved your reply do so agree about fresh air.
Regards
Stuart