Life can be incredibly demanding, and at times, it can feel like we're drowning in a sea of responsibilities, emotions, and stressors. When overwhelm sets in, it's easy to become paralyzed, unable to see a way out. However, managing overwhelm through a yoga based approach can provide valuable tools and strategies to regain control, find balance, and build resilience.
Understanding Overwhelm
Before delving into the yoga approach to managing overwhelm, it's crucial to understand what overwhelm is. Overwhelm isn't just about having too much to do; it's an emotional and physiological response to excessive stressors. It can manifest as anxiety, irritability, physical tension, and even a sense of hopelessness. Here's how a yoga approach can help:
Identify Triggers: Learning to listen to your body can help you to identify stressors triggering your overwhelm. It might be work-related pressure, relationship issues, or unresolved trauma. Identifying these triggers is the first step in finding solutions.
Journalling: Journaling can be a powerful tool for when we are feeling particularly busy, helping us to manage thoughts, clarify priorities, and set boundaries. Here are some journaling prompts to help with this.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Mindfulness and relaxation exercises can help you stay present and manage stress in the moment. These techniques can promote emotional regulation and reduce the physical symptoms of overwhelm. Try this Free guided meditation available on Insight Timer.
Do-less: How do you manage your time? Are you always trying to fit it all in? As opposed to focusing on "fitting it all in," time management, and leaning in, embrace the notion that through doing less you can have and be more. Reduce the feeling of being stretched too thin. Learn to set boundaries and say "no" when necessary.
Self-Care Strategies: Self-care as a means of building resilience against overwhelm. It involves activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul, such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.
Emotional Expression: Bottling up emotions can contribute to overwhelm. It can be helpful to speak with a trusted friend or therapist when emotions feel overwhelming. However it can also be helpful to process and release pent-up emotions through specific yoga movements, breath work and sounding. Try this class today.
Social Support: When we are overwhelmed it often feels as if we are on our own, which may lead us to isolate or withdraw. However identifying your support network in these times is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. This is what our yoga community is all about. Join the A way to live well community and feel that group support today.
Remember, managing overwhelm is an ongoing process. It requires patience and practice. A yoga community dedicated to creating a supportive environment to work on these strategies and tailor them to your unique needs could be just the connection you need. Overwhelm is a common human experience, but it doesn't have to dominate your life. By taking a yogic appoarch, you can learn to recognise, understand, and effectively manage overwhelm. Yoga can equip you with a toolkit of strategies and skills to build resilience, reduce stress, and regain control over your life. Join my upcoming Healing stress through yoga course here.
But also don't hesitate to seek professional help when overwhelm feels insurmountable, as therapists are there to guide you on your journey toward a healthier, more balanced life. You can contact The Bodart Practice who I work in partnership with.
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