Dr Kelly Fleming

Sometimes life can be overwhelming.

We feel like we are spiraling and just can’t get our bearings.

We need to understand that this is okay. It’s a part of life. Without this, we would be living in some type of unnatural bliss.

Life isn’t all sunshine and smelling the flowers.

Life throws curve balls at us. Do we try to duck them and hope we don’t get hit? Do we panic when it feels like we are in a batting cage and the machine is on high speed?

Take a breath. Step back. Take time for yourself. Find something that you enjoy.

Maybe you enjoy taking a walk or simply binge watching your favourite show (within reason – I know I’m guilty of saying “just one more episode…” I have to remind myself that episode will still be there tomorrow!)

It’s important to acknowledge when you are feeling overwhelmed. It’s important to stop yourself and say: “This is ok, I need time for myself.”

You may have people in your life who simply do not understand. They might driven by speed. They might feel that taking time to step back is being lazy.

It is definitely not lazy to acknowledge that you need some space. Even if it feels like needing space from yourself.

This is an important part of self-care and it should not be ignored. Ignoring how you are feeling, “pushing through” is not a healthy response to dealing with the ups and downs of life.

Take time for yourself.

Some basic methods for reflection and taking a step back from your hectic life may be:

• Reflective breathing. Sit down where you are comfortable (your favourite chair, the floor, your bed – it doesn’t matter). Close your eyes and take a slow deep breath and let yourself feel every part of your body and then slowly exhale. Let your body relax.
• Think of one word that describes how you are feeling at the moment. Find synonyms for that word. Then think about how you can apply that word at that moment to whatever is causing you to feel overwhelmed.
• If you have a pet, it’s a known fact that they help you relax. Giving your cat or your dog a massage will release your stress. And your animal will also appreciate the attention and in turn will feel relaxed. It’s a win-win situation.

Every individual is different in how they respond to “curve balls” and overwhelming feelings.

Take this time and acknowledge them. Just one at a time. Pick something for today and do not worry about other things that are piling up in your mind and in your life. You can only deal with one emotion at a time.

So take a breath, take some time for yourself. You are important and you need to be the best “you” that you can be today.

❤️🙏🏼🤟🏼