Do you Notice the Signs that you have Taken on Too Much?

A couple weeks ago I wrote myself a note to remember to do a blog post about my funny, yet "oh crap" moment.

This particular day I began writing a blog post to share a client story with my "Zen Blog people of awesomeness!" (that's you!). As I'm writing this post, I'm having some deja vu with certain aspects. I was really feeling like I had shared this story already. Chalking it up to possibly sharing it in the Facebook Group and not here on the blog, I continued to write. Finally after 20min of writing I saved my work and felt a strong urge to check on my suspicions. Sure enough, I was right...

I had already posted this client story here on the Zen Blog TWO months prior. Yikes.

This was my "oh crap" moment to remind me that I have TOO MUCH on my plate (and my mind) right now, and that I absolutely NEED to stay conciously aware of that fact. This was a sign that things were getting busier for me and a sign of fatigue (mental, physical and emotional) setting in early in a busy several weeks to come for me.

*Since that day, things have only become "heavier" for me. Not only recognizing those lesser "oh crap" moments, but also recognizing things like more regular mood swings, symptoms of anxiety visiting more regularly each day, inability to focus on anything but the stressor some days... These are just a few more "oh crap" realizations that keep me striving to manage my health practices each day to the best of my ability.

What do you do when you recognize that?

Perhaps an even better question is; Are you honest with yourself often enough TO recognize if/when this happens in your lifestyle and daily routines? If the answer is "NO", that's the first thing we want to practice becoming aware of. Catch yourself, recognize the signs your body and/or mind are trying to tell in that you have too much on the go.

If/when you DO catch yourself and recognize this reality for yourself, then what? What do you do? That said, I'll share some of mine with you in this case as an example...

1. Don't try to change anything during this heavy period of time. When so much of your energy is being pulled in various directions, it's important to understand that we can only do so much at any one time. Trying to create change during a high stress or busy period, is never going to end well and will burn you out much more quickly. Aiming to maintain and/or manage are your go-to's in busy, high stress and heavy times.

   
   

2. Practice stress management tools & techniques. What simple practices can you implement into each day to help you manage these hectic times? Waiting until "after things settle" is not a healthy approach (other than making you better at putting things off). When times are tough, it's a perfect time to keep things simple and realistic for yourself. Practice sprinkling small, enjoyable practices into your days such as breathing exercises, meditation, gentle movement/activities, getting outdoors or focusing on a relaxing pre-bed routine are just a few of a long list of things.

   
   

3. Ensure you are a priority each day - even just a little bit. During heavy, high stress times, taking those opportunities to put you first will go a long way. Taking time to step away from the "wildfire" for a spell and put some energy into yourself and things that make you smile, will be incredibly helpful in managing the busy times.

   
   

4. Practice the power of "No". In times of busy-ness, taking on more or doing more will definitely NOT help you manage your energy and stress levels. Learn to say "No". Learn that you don't have to explain yourself if you don't want. Protect YOUR time and energy, always, but even more fiercly during busy, hectic times.

   
   

5. Ensure social supports and a healthy environment are in place. During stressful and busy times, we need support networks to help us; whether it's to emotionally support us, pick us up if we're down or just for an ear sometimes; the power of loved ones at our side will help guide us through the raging waters. In addition to that, our environment (i.e. what's around us at home, work etc) will also support us in managing stressful times. For example, if you know your coming weeks will be high stress and that you tend to be an emotional eater, having 2-3 bags of chips easily accessible at home may not be the most helpful thing for you. Or to ensure you get your movement in each day, you practice having your shoes and walking clothes ready and visible every day so that it increases the chance you'll see them and go.

Stressful / heavy times doesn't mean you won't struggle

Nothing is perfect. There's no such thing. Doing some of the above recommendations won't make you invincible to shitty days, rants or egging someone's car. Stress is a part of life. That said, practicing stress management tools and techniques can help reduce the emotional load or how long you feel overwhelmed and weighed down, and the overall impact of the stress on your long term health.

Before my busy-crazy-wild weeks began we brought home our infrared sauna as another tool for me (and all of us at home) to utilize each week. Having the ability to use the sauna and then hop into a cold shower, will help me manage physical, mental and emotional health during this period of time but without pushing myself to "do more" ya know?

As I did last year during this time of year, I don't look to make any change physically during these heavy weeks; I'm not trying to change body composition, get stronger, make any drastic nutrition changes or physically improve anything. Instead, I look for movement that promotes energy and recovery. I look for practices that increases not only my physical energy, but also my mental energy as well. I look for simple and easy practices that make me feel good inside to out.

I also awknowledge the fact that the reality is it won't be pretty. Some days it's downright @#$%ing ugly!!! But having those go to practices and the ability to take these times to focus INWARD, is an incredibly powerful practice.

Having a mindset that is not searching for MORE when MORE is the OPPOSITE of what is needed, and being TRULY OK with that, is one of the most powerful stress management strategies that so many of us overlook.