The World of Overwhelm: A Not-So-Delightful Destination

by | Sep 27, 2024 | Motivation

Looking for a destination that offers all the feelings?

Well, congratulations—you’ve arrived!

‘Overwhelm’, the destination of choice (or not)

This is your chance to fully immerse yourself in a life-altering experience, one that comes with a variety of ‘attractive’ attractions.

Emotional Overwhelm? Step right up!

You’ll get a front-row seat to feelings ranging from “I can’t handle this” to “Why am I crying over a cereal commercial?” Emotional overwhelm is that place where you bury your head in the sand and stay as long as you like.

Craving a Physical Experience? Try Physical Overwhelm!

Juggle laundry, dishes, groceries, and school runs like a pro, all while enjoying that nagging tension headache you just can’t shake. Bonus: Discover muscles you never knew existed!

And Don’t Forget the Social Overwhelm Package!

From group chats to family gatherings, you’ll find your calendar overflowing and your brain maxed out. Perfect for when you just want to be alone… but can’t escape the noise.

Mental Overwhelm: Your All-Inclusive Package

Mental overwhelm comes with endless loops of “Did I pay the bill?” and “Am I doing enough?” Throw in sleepless nights, racing thoughts, and a dash of guilt—because really, what would life be without it?

Anyone else feel like checking out of the Wonderful World of Overwhelm? Or maybe you’ve got a season pass? Yeah, me too!

I See You

I get it. No magic wands or ABC solutions here—just real life. Sometimes, the most powerful thing is knowing that others understand exactly what you’re going through. And let’s be clear, this isn’t a destination of choice!

We ‘need’ to talk about mental overload for mothers—not just those in the thick of it, but also those who’ve come out the other side wondering what’s next.

Why is it important? Because sharing our experiences creates a community where we don’t feel alone in the chaos. When we talk about it, we normalise the struggle, offer support, and open doors to practical solutions. It helps lift the burden of guilt and shame, replacing them with empathy, connection, and—most importantly—actionable steps toward relief.

In my line of work, I’ve gathered a treasure trove of tools that have helped me (and many others) steer clear of full-blown overwhelm.

Here are a few to tips to Bypass Overwhelm:

Tips to bypass overwhelm:

Brain Dump: Yes, it works.

Grab a notebook and dump all your racing thoughts. Tasks, worries, nagging to-dos—get them out of your head and onto paper. You don’t have to solve everything right now, but writing it down relieves some of the mental pressure.

Move Your Body: Break the couch potato curse

That couch may be calling your name, but resist! Even a short walk or stretch can break up physical and mental tension. Five minutes around the block or a quick stretch at your desk can clear your mind and re-energise you.

Set Tiny, Achievable Goals: Small wins count

When overwhelmed, even the smallest task can feel impossible. Pick one small thing—whether it’s folding laundry, answering an email or focusing on your most important work task. You’re not aiming to change the world today; you’re laying the groundwork for healthier habits. Slow, steady progress beats paralysis.

Make Good Decisions, Not Perfect Ones

Perfectionism will keep you stuck. Instead, aim to make ‘good’ decisions. Even the smallest, good choice helps reduce overwhelm. Chasing perfection? That just piles on more stress.

Base Decisions on Your Values, Not Your Feelings:

Overwhelm can make you react impulsively, leading to choices that don’t serve you long-term. Instead, make decisions grounded in your core values. What matters most to your physical, emotional, and mental well-being? Base your actions on that, and you’ll find more clarity.

Plan. Plan. Plan:

Overwhelm loves chaos, so fight back with a solid plan. What’s your goal for today? What small wins will make you feel accomplished? Write it down and celebrate ticking things off. Even tiny victories feel monumental when you’re stuck in overwhelm.

Pause for 2-Minute Breathing: Your reset button

When the overwhelm feels like it’s about to crash down, stop—and breathe. Take two minutes for deep, focused breathing. Close your eyes, inhale deeply, hold, and exhale slowly. It won’t erase your to-do list, but it will give you a moment of calm to reset your mind.

And a Final Note…

The goal isn’t to eliminate overwhelm completely (let’s be real, that’s impossible). When you signed up for motherhood, work, and life, overwhelm was in the fine print. But you can learn to manage it. It’s not about chasing perfection; it’s about finding balance. Small, consistent actions add up to big, sustainable progress.

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