Are you feeling it too? The world has felt really heavy and energies have been overwhelming me. And I am quite certain I’m not the only one who feels like I’m swimming through mud lately.
Overwhelm leads to burnout and that is when we are more susceptible to getting sick, mental health challenges, relationship turmoil and many things we really don’t want in our space.
There are a myriad of things seeking my attention. My family, career, my own needs and desires – it feels like there is no room to breathe between these things. Of course, I feel like my energy is being depleted without the opportunity to recover. Not to mention the guilt that sneaks in when I think about doing something just for me.
Intellectually, I know I need self-care and time to rest. I have done the work and I know the tools. Yet, I find myself teetering on the precipice of overwhelm and burnout.
As we are entering the season of rest and restoration, this is the perfect time to surrender and allow yourself to let go of the things that aren’t serving you. I know this, alone, can sound overwhelming. These are the steps I have taken to combat overwhelm and avoid burnout.
1.Gratitude
This practice is often referred to in spiritual growth and personal development circles, but true intention and action is often watered down. I am guilty of just going through the motions sometimes. My personal gratitude practice takes only a few minutes every day. In all honesty, I have such a full schedule that I have chosen to devote only a few minutes to each element I will discuss here. My desire is that you can also learn to craft your personal practice to support and encourage harmony, peace and joy in your life.
Every day I identify 3 things that I am grateful for and I spend a total of 3 minutes on this. I envision each of the things I have chosen, I send love, grace and appreciation to this vision. I allow the frequency and feeling of gratitude to flow through me and settle in my heart. I do this for each of the 3 things I am focusing on each day. One really cool “side effect” I have noticed is that sometimes, in the morning, I don’t feel great when I wake up. After this gratitude energy infusion, I always feel better.
2.Breathe
Despite having a well laid plan, I often find my day spiraling out of control. As soon as I notice this happening, or the niggle of anxiety that creeps up when I am reminded of the mile-long list of things that need my attention, I stop and take pause. In the space when I intentionally break the flow of negative energy, I take a deep breath – the super deep kind that you generally don’t take. I see that breath flow deep into my body and nourish all the nooks and crannies that my anxious shallow breathing has been neglecting. After a few of these breaths, I ask myself, “does this really matter” or “how can I shift my energy RIGHT NOW?”
Typically, the action of breaking the flow of negative energy alone, invites in a shift that allows me to alter the direction of my day. If things are really heavy, I will get up and walk around outside if I can get there. Inside, is ok, but outside is best for me. Distance allows your soul to find its center and breathe!
3.Grace
There are moments I find myself toiling in the guilt or regret of decisions I have made. This is fertile ground for overwhelm. Allowing myself the grace of accepting myself despite all the learning I have done is pivotal when it comes to moving past all the strife and difficulty that comes with overwhelm. That inner critic can be so loud. This is why I keep a journal of things that have gone well. I also keep one for my business which reminds me of the impact I have and all the reasons to keep going.
Don’t hesitate if you are inspired to take any of these ideas and make them your own. Tweak them, change them, use them to cultivate the best experience you can.
These steps are not a magic elixir that will fix all the discomfort in your life, these are a cumulative process that will allow you to find within yourself, the answers and calm that you seek. As always, I love to use the Akashic Records as I endeavor to create my experience of my own heaven on earth, infused with peace, joy and harmony. If you feel connected to your guides and your Records, by all means, inject them into your process and be open to receive all the messages and guidance they can offer as you integrate the vibrations of peace, joy and harmony.
