Xero C.Life — whether from internal or external factors, or a combination of both — can be chaotic and stressful, and that chaos and stress can contribute to a feeling of being overwhelmed. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines overwhelmed as, “overcome by force or numbers,” or “completely overcome or overpowered by thought or feeling.” By that definition, I think all of us can confirm that we have felt overwhelmed at one point or another. The question is, really, what we did to help us get over that feeling. In some cases, you may be feeling that way right now. If that is the case, it may be worthwhile picking up journaling as a hobby. Journaling can be very creatively and personally fulfilling, regardless if you are feeling overwhelmed or not. However, for those of you who are feeling overwhelmed, journaling can be a great way to channel, and hopefully conquer, those feelings.
Why We Feel Overwhelmed
The reasons we feel overwhelmed can vary, and culminate, based on the current predicaments we find ourselves in. It could be that work is really piling up, and you have not had adequate time to chip away at it. That growing boulder of responsibilities can truly weigh us down, and contribute to a feeling of being stressed and overwhelmed. Or, it could be that you are feeling anxious. Maybe something has you feeling scared, or nervous: it could be a result of some feelings that have recently cropped up, some worrying thoughts, or even a situation in your personal or professional life that is coming to a head. Whatever the cause, the symptoms of being overwhelmed tend to present themselves similarly:
- Your fight or flight response is triggered: your heart rate is increased, and breathing is proving more difficult.
- You find yourself getting sick more often: stress can result in a weakened immune system.
- You are suffering from aches and pains.
- You are having a more difficult time concentrating.
If you have noticed one or more of these symptoms cropping up in your own life, then it could be that you are feeling overwhelmed. If that is the case, then adopting these journaling strategies may help you overcome them.
Address Each Task
If you are feeling overwhelmed from an excessive amount of work and responsibilities, then it can help to break them down — task by task — in your journal. Start by naming one of the duties that is weighing you down. Then, write out all of the relevant details. Why is it important? When does it need to get done? Why is it that this task in particular is weighing you down? How should it be prioritized, and what are some strategies you can employ to conquer this task or delegate some (or all) of the responsibilities to someone on your team or in your family to help you out?
Having a detailed idea of what this task is, why it makes you feel the way you do, as well as a comprehensive plan of attack to get through it, will help you realize which of these responsibilities that are weighing you down can be conquered, and which should be let loose or discussed with your family or place of employment. Once you have all of that information committed to paper, you are going to start feeling much better.
Focus on a Feeling
If your life is feeling out of control due to a surplus of anxiety, fear, nervousness, or uneasiness, than it is important that you focus on those feelings in your journal. Write down the factors that are making you feel this way. It could be that you have spent too much time prioritizing others’ problems, and not nearly enough time addressing your own. It could be that an external factor, such as a current event or recent tragedy, is impacting your thoughts and feelings in ways you did not realize. Whatever the case, writing it all out will be cathartic, and could even help you get down to, and solve, the crux of the issue.
Taking Back Control
Journaling can help you regain the feeling of control over your life. Understanding your situation, and exactly what you must do in order to resolve it, is a wonderful feeling. If you are ever looking for more lifestyle, wellness, or nutritional articles, make sure to check out our blog for more!
