Coping with Seasonal Overwhelm
Winter pulls us into reflection, it is a time of stillness, cold, and resetting. While we should be hibernating and pulling close to heal and reflect, today we are often pulled in too many directions to count.
The level of digital access we have to people and information means that we can be deeply connected to people we have never met in person or who, in another time, we would have lost touch with years ago. It also means we are informed of global tragedies in an instant, and often when we are not looking to be informed. It is a digital roller coaster full of positives and negatives.
As we scroll on our phones, we are processing information of global, national, state, city, and community events and tragedies that all request our energy and action. At the same time, we are charged with navigating our own very personal, immediate life expectations, traditions, tragedies, stresses, and transitions.
All of this input and disaster availability can wreak havoc on our emotions. If you are feeling overwhelmed this season. You are not alone. There is so much to consider and so much to move through.
Something that we have been exploring this season is the need to connect with what is realistic to accomplish and expect of ourselves during this time. If you are processing deeply tragic news, if you are worried about your personal health, or the health of a loved one, if you are trying to keep up with finances and insurance, if you have important family events, or if you are in the middle of Spirit Week, your nervous system and body may be in overload. Add in some overly aggressive twinkle lights, and some terrible news that just popped up on your phone, and you are in deep overwhelm quickly.
Here are some things you can do to cope with seasonal overwhelm.
BRING YOUR FOCUS TO THE PRESENT
If your brain is spiraling with “What-if…” and “Could this happen…” and “But I have to…” or “Last year this happened…” focusing in on what is happening directly around you can help you land in the present. Look at your surroundings. Take note of what you see. What does your ceiling texture look like? How about your walls? Is your light casting interesting shadows? If you can move outside, take in the smell of the air around you. Look at the sky and observe as many details as you can: color, light, position of the stars or clouds.
PLAN FOR REST
If you have a busy holiday or end of year schedule, plan for rest as you can, and especially when the busy season comes to an end. If you are racing full speed through event after event, or year end work expectations, or even super fun engagements, it is necessary to plan for REST! We cannot function without rest. If your days are highly scheduled, try to leave time for sleep, naps, and downtime. If you know you are entering a period of time where rest is limited, it is helpful to our brains to know that there will be rest when busy season is over. Adrenaline can get us through, but we need REST for mental and physical health.
ALLOW YOURSELF TO RE-EVALUATE
It can be a really big challenge this time of year, but being realistic about what we can accomplish, often means falling short of our intentions. Setting goals, wanting to do ALL THE THINGS, is great, but if it gets to the point that your mental or physical health is suffering, it is time to re-evaluate. Often we place expectations on ourselves that no one else actually has of us. If you are trying to meet self-imposed expectations, it is ok to take a second look and see what you can let go. If you have external expectations being placed on you, it is the same. What conversations can you have to alleviate some of the pressure? And ultimately, if it is causing too much stress, it is time to set a boundary. We have had years where we celebrated our events on a different day, because work or travel just didn’t work out with the timing. It is ok to find your own way through this season.
PLACE LIMITS ON EXTERNAL STRESSORS
This can be very difficult, but it is also important. If you are getting overwhelmed by the news, social media, or any other stressors that are showing up this time of year, it is a good idea to set limits. Plan to check the news at certain times of day where you have time to absorb and maybe go for a walk to clear anything you need to process. If you can’t check it every day, that is ok. You can take breaks and still advocate for people and causes that are important to you. This goes for family, friends, and loved ones also. If you are not ok, you can’t help anyone else.
ATTENTION ON THE LITTLE THINGS
Bringing your attention to the little things that bring you joy, ease, or that you look forward to about this season is vital. What flavors or smells do you love? What is one little thing that makes you smile? Is there a movie that always makes you laugh or cry? Or a song that brings you comfort? Is there a tradition, small and silly, that you have or can create that brings you happiness? Is there someone who makes you feel warm and cozy? Can you call them or have lunch together?
Giving attention to the little moments of joy and contentment will add up. Our body keeps track of when we feel at ease, when we have moments of connection and laughter, or are comforted through our sadness. All of this builds reserves for the harder moments.
While we can never control or predict everything that is going to happen or be brought to our attention these days, we can build up our reserves. We can work in moments of protection for our minds and bodies, we can prepare ourselves to accept moments of connection and love, and we can absolutely give purpose to participating where we can, releasing what we need to, and enjoying the important moments of our NOW.
Wishing you a connected, fulfilling, and peaceful holiday season.
The Imago Georgia Team
Allison, Wendy, Bob, Jesica, Sulaiman, and Taylor
