What stress and tension, similar to a train does is chugs along and gains momentum, while building up over time. Having a restless night and then having an extremely anxiety filled workday the next, compounds, as it has a chain effect. Then we get mad at the world.
Over the course of time, these daily challenges then begins to mount, much like your car overheating, as the fatigue begins to grow. Yet we decide to carry on, feeling tired to the bone but push through anyways, even though our body and mind is telling us to slow down.
We know that we should be practicing caution, but yet we choose not to. Most often, we don’t even realize what’s happening to us, how run down we’re getting, until we become flattened and wind up on our back.
It could be a terrible cold, that chronic back or tooth ache, then you spend days to recuperate, becoming listless and unmotivated.
Or we just lose our composure, go crazy like the dogs in the yard, we vent our anger, yell and fight, begin to not care, consciously do things which are unhealthy.
Putting A Stop To The Madness
So how do you put a halt to this runaway train. The first step is acknowledging that things are getting out of hand, that you are responsible, that you’re driving it.
It often feels that life is running us over, things are getting out of hand, while realizing there are certain circumstances which are beyond our control.
We can respond by actively doing something about it, this by taking care of ourselves once the challenges of life faces us. It begins with admitting it’s solely up to us to make the changes, before they become overwhelming.
Know The Initial Warning Signs
Always be mindful enough to know the signs that are the strains of daily living, are beginning to eat away at you. You’re having difficultly concentrating, sleeping, not eating well.
You’re becoming increasingly irritable and moody lately, instantly snapping at the spouse, kids, or coworkers for no reason. You no longer enjoy the things you do, or enjoy yourself, all warning signs that you may be headed for a fall.
Know Your Body
Once you become tense, become frustrated or angry, it’s our physical body that begins to deteriorate, this without us even realizing it, until we get sick or injured.
So whenever possible, once you have a few free moments, apply the mindful techniques of calming yourself down, reset your panic button and relax.
You don’t need to suddenly get up and go for a workout, but just take notice, realize that your shoulders, chest, or calves are feeling tight.
Your thoughts are racing fast forward which is making you anxious. Becoming aware of how your body is reacting, is the preliminary indicator.
You’re beginning to feel rundown and running out of steam. Take notice of all the signs of tension, and then take counteractive action.
Get Adequate Sleep
Make it a priority to get more sleep. Taking the active steps to get yourself back on track, becomes infinitely more difficult, this when you constantly feel exhausted.
So cut down on the caffeine, leave your laptop and smartphone in the other room, stop watching that late night TV program. Instead, concentrate on getting a peaceful nights sleep.
Make sure that the bedroom is cool and dark, breathe deeply, try the 4-7-8 technique to fall asleep, convince yourself you’re going to sleep deep and peacefully. If you have insomnia, then seek help.
Prepare For Transition
When you’re between meetings or driving to work, when working out, or on your way to pick up the kids from soccer practice, give your mind a break from multi-tasking, stop yourself from doing several activities at once.
Relax by taking several deep breaths, allowing your breathing to regulate itself, by mindfully doing so routinely and regularly.
During this time, avoid thinking, planning, or worrying. When doing so, make sure you visualize consciously as it helps you know exactly how you’re feeling, what you’re thinking of and doing.
Slow Your Life Down
Once you become overwhelmed, cancel those extra meetings in your schedule if you can, send your kids to the relatives, eat out, go to the spa and get pampered, and do so for several days to recuperate.
Allow the things on your to-do list to wait a bit longer if they’re not urgent. Make future plans to do them once you’re better rested. Take a well deserved mental health day, or even just an afternoon. Choose an activity you like to do, such as catching a movie.
Seek Out Assistance
Ask for help, as it’s easy to think all of your challenges and issues are yours alone to solve. Realize we’re social animals who are meant to communicate and help each other out.
There are ways to find this help, including your friends or family members who unconditionally understands. Find a support group, find a yoga class, anything to unwind.
It’s not always easy to share your stories or the struggles that you’re going through, as you’re interrupting the lives of others who has issues of their own.
This especially applies to those who deeply cares about you. What doing so will keep you more grounded and less stressed out.
Be Easy On Yourself
Don’t beat yourself up further when you’re down. There are times when you do everything right, exercise, eat properly, get to sleep on time, but it’s still not enough.
Don’t get discouraged, as the “fates” of life happens to everyone. So the sooner that you can begin taking care of yourself better during this time, the sooner that you’ll get back on track.