You may think because I’m fairly effective in getting things done that I don’t get overwhelmed. That I don’t get distracted by what other people are doing and that I never fall prey to Bright Shiny Object Syndrome.
Oh contraire. I think this happens to all of us. And that’s normal. If we aren’t affected by the world’s bounty, we wouldn’t be creative people, would we? It’s good to let ideas and people influence us.
And, it’s good to be able to process all that goodness and turn it into meaningful things we care about sharing. Easier said than done. This is the kind of thing I coach my clients on all the time.
Here are my simple steps that help me get focused when overwhelm threatens to overtake me and my effectiveness. These practices are great for any time you are overwhelmed, not just post-travel.
Tend the nest. When I take care of my immediate physical environment, everything is better. I unpack immediately and do laundry. I make sure I have the groceries I need and I process my postal mail right away. I make sure my home is as tidy as it can be, and of course, I bring in fresh flowers. They make all the difference for me.
Let the body lead. On this recent return, I expected that I would come home and hit the ground running on my work projects. But oh no! My body had another plan.
Turns out it was saving up its tiredness (late nights with friends, dance parties, biking all around Portland) for when I got home. I was too tired to do much, so I resigned my weekend to naps, reading, restorative yoga and whatever else my body wanted. Trying to override the body’s needs just leads to bad things, so I listen to my trusty vessel.
Get digital downtime. That’s right, step away from the computer. When I am unfocused, I spend too much time checking email and Facebook. I’m not at all effective, so I step away from the computer and…
Pause and tune in. I either meditate – yep, just sitting there – or journal or doodle. All of these methods help me get calm, get focused and get clear. It doesn’t take long before the next right step is clear to me and I am able, with a refreshed mind, to take action.
Get physical. I go for a walk or a bike ride or to a yoga. I find that being in my city on foot or by bike helps me re-enter.
It takes longer to recover from an intense trip like this than it used to. I have to count at least three days to get a grip, to get focused and to replenish with my nourishing foods and teas. That’s okay. I like that my body slows me down. This helps me to integrate and to take action from the right place.
Don’t make major decisions. Sometimes, in the discomfort of overwhelm, we want to make a big decision. I try to quell this desire to reach for certainty in a time of upheaval. Instead, I return to my original impulse, getting clear on my overall life purpose and current focus. This helps me get grounded and prevents me from making rash decisions from a depleted place.
Have these ideas helped you? What helps you recover from overwhelm? Let us know in a comment below. And if you know anyone who struggles with overwhelm, please pass this article along.
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