Lets talk about some major signs you’re overwhelmed and things you can do to help. If you’re a mom you might know it’s easy to miss these signs until suddenly you’re pulling out your hair, screaming at the littlest thing. Or worse, on the verge of a mental breakdown but not exactly sure why.
For me, this weeks been off the charts hectic.
I can’t remember a time when I’ve had so much to do but no time to do it. My bigger kids finally started school in person again. Plus, Scootabot’s been sick and that’s never fun. I haven’t slept at all. And of course, there are a few other things happening which add to the plate. So, if I’m being honest (which I always am) I’ve been stressing the F*** out! Yes, all capitals. Do you feel what I’m saying?
The truth is, I’m anxious, overstimulated and overwhelmed. The good thing is I’m aware of these things so I can kind of help myself out here. I want to help you too with sharing these signs you’re overwhelmed and things that may help.
Wednesday was the only day where I felt like I could breath. When my daughters first went back to school. Everyone was up bustling around in the early morning hours getting ready. I guess I shouldn’t say bustling because the y were more like zombies than bright eyed and bushy tailed lil babes. Still, excitement rung through the Thomas halls as we saw our oldest off to her first physical day of high school and our Shark Baby off to her first day of kindergarten.
Isn’t it strange how you don’t realize just how fast time moves until your kids start school?
Anyways. After everyone headed out to live their lives outside of home, it felt like a switch suddenly flipped. The house wasn’t buzzing with energy, there was nothing that I had to immediately do. Its strange, like time paused. I was hearing my own thoughts and feeling my body speaking to me. They were both begging me to just take the moment to chill out. So, I did. I cuddled up with baby girl and we slept for hours.
When I woke up, I knew that was exactly what I needed. A break. The entire week was definitely overwhelming. There wasn’t a chance for me to really feel it until I got myself alone though. The funny thing is, if I paid a little more attention to myself, instead of everything around me I would have seen it sooner. I could have even been able to combat it a bit. However, long gone is the chance to change it, so instead I’m sharing some ways we can recognize signs you’re overwhelmed.
5 signs you’re overwhelmed
You’re having a hard time sleeping or sleeping too much.
Pay attention to your sleeping patterns, has anything changed? Are you suddenly finding yourself tossing and turning all night? Or maybe you want to spend every spare second napping. Changes in your sleeping pattern is a sign your overwhelmed. Sleeping habits (healthy ones) are a huge part of mental health. It’s important to pay attention to any changes and why they might be happening.
Tips:
-Create and stick to a sleep schedule/nightly routine
– Limit caffeine and alcohol
– Practice relaxation techniques before bed
– Indulge in a soothing drink before bed (tea, warm milk, tart cherry juice)
– Fall asleep to relaxing scents (Lavender, Chamomile, Bergamot, Jasmine, Rose and Sandalwood)
– Contact your doctor for serious concerns
Even though you got sleep, you feel tired – Major sign you’re overwhelmed
When you’re overwhelmed your brain in overloaded. All the extra stuff it’s got going on can sometimes carry over into physical effects like exhaustion. Even when you’ve managed to actually get some sleep you may still feel restless and tired.
Tips:
– Eat foods that are healthy and give you energy
– Exercise
-Also see previous tips
You feel anxious
Believe it or not if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you were most likely anxious first (and still are)
Tips:
All the previous tips apply
Focusing is difficult
You’re lacking sleep, you’re anxious, your brain is on overdrive. Now you’ve noticed you can barely focus.
Tips:
– Create a “to-do” list and check things off as you complete them
– Take occasional breaks instead of working straight through.
-Break larger tasks into smaller, easier to manage tasks
You’re not eating or eating too much
Changes in appetite are another sign you’re overwhelmed. It looks different for everyone. So, be on the look out and take notice if you have a reduced or increased appetite.
Tips:
-Create scheduled times to eat
– Eat small snacks throughout the day
-Eats food that are healthy and keep you full longer (such as fiber-rich foods)
What to remember: Signs you’re overwhelmed
Catching the signs of overwhelm early may help prevent burnout.
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