Reduce overwhelm by gaining clarity

I love how the skies are ‘officially’ getting bluer and the haze is dispersing due to fewer planes and pollutants. It got me thinking about how our environment really does shape our experience of life. Even something as simple as a rainy day or a messy room can leave us feeling overwhelmed and have a negative impact on our thoughts and behaviour.

Worries are like clouds that pass through the sky

They are not facts

You might have heard people describe negative thoughts as being like clouds which can sometimes come across the blue sky of our mind. In essence our minds can become ‘clouded’ with worries, to-do lists, and too much to process. And it’s not until we bring a greater awareness to our thoughts that we begin to recognise the congested state of our minds. This often has a direct link to our immediate environment and what we are predominantly focusing on.

Here’s an interesting article to help you re-frame your worries https://www.successconsciousness.com/blog/positive-attitude/worries-are-like-clouds/

So what can we do when we’re feeling overwhelmed?

I don’t know about you but I function so much better when my home is free of clutter and when everything has a place and a purpose ✨ It can certainly help us to feel less overwhelmed and more in control. It’s pretty impossible right now to live clutter-free while we are all spending so much time at home, doing every kind of activity from working and home-schooling, to fitness and hobbies, to what feels like non-stop meal prep and clearing away. I’m looking forward to getting back into some kind of routine.. but it the meantime, is it even possible to feel organised?!

👉 I think so, but it’s going to take a bit of effort to gain some clarity and regain some sense of space and purpose, both physically and mentally. Many of us have got so used to living on top of each other in a cluttered house, while listening to conflicting advice on the news and social media, that it’s no surprise we feel overwhelmed by a cluttered head!

I, for one, have lost my sense of clear-mindedness and focus. In some ways it has been a blessing to have fewer decisions to make and fewer commitments to uphold, but in other ways standards have been slipping and it can affect us mentally if we’re not careful.. I’m still not showered or properly dressed yet and my kids have certainly been living in their pj’s more than normal!

In some ways it has been a blessing to have fewer decisions to make and fewer commitments to uphold

Get some clarity

But what I have realised even more than usual is that to be able to put forth the effort required to thrive, we must have the space and energy to do so, both in our heads and our homes. I think that’s why I felt compelled to move my work space temporarily from the kitchen into the conservatory after realising my efficiency was stalling. My kitchen is now a temporary school room where you will find more Pritt stick than pasta, and more computer cables than coffee. But, luckily I’m quite good at adapting! Click here for a related post – coachyourlifecaroline.com/home-sweet-home/

Are you feeling overwhelmed?

You may have noticed that instead of spurring us into action, overwhelm can leave us feeling avoidant and unmotivated. Perhaps you’ve got that feeling you can’t be bothered to do anything right now? Like get dressed… or take a shower? Maybe because it feels like nothing really MATTERS right now… but at the same time like EVERYTHING matters??

I get it. Really I do. It’s because a lot of us have lost our purpose. We have lost our drive, our spark that gets us up out of bed everyday, along with our sense of certainty. We have also lost things that were part of our routine and identity.. whether that be fitness, work, school/uni, hobbies, socialising and classes or pleasures such as dining out, watching football, drinking in a busy pub or Sunday lunch with the family.

Time to reflect

However, in some ways it feels like the most important things in life are coming to the fore again ✨ Nature. Birdsong. Love. This slowing down has made us all stop and assess our lives. We are gaining clarity over the kind of life we want to be living and giving thanks for the things we DO have. And it certainly feels like we will be a lot more grateful for our freedom when it does return.

It also feels like compassion and connection both locally and worldwide has grown and strengthened 💪 To me, the world has never felt so small or humanity so big. Every country will need to heal from this. Every child will remember this for their lifetime. Stay strong because you are playing your part in us getting through this and maybe, just maybe, the world will be a stronger, more connected and kinder place for it. I truly hope so.

Sometimes when all is lost, all is found

Keep going!

So keep going even if you really do feel like all is lost.. as from that place there is only one direction to go.. and that is up! Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s actually a sign that we are ready to make a change 💪 Reaching out is showing strength, especially when we are feeling overwhelmed. Reaching out shows we are ready to move forwards.

Moving forwards

We all need a bit of help and guidance from someone who can make a difference in our lives and keep us accountable. So get in touch if you’d like help moving forwards! In the meantime, click here for a helpful Overwhelm Exercise.

👉 A Life Coach like myself can help you get some answers by asking the right questions allowing you to get clear on what you want. From there we craft a VISION for your ideal life and develop a TAILORED plan giving you a route to the transformation you are looking for ✨ We’ll also identify any patterns that are keeping you STUCK while at the same time help you build the confidence to push through them!

If you’d like to work with me visit my Life Coaching website here coachyourlife.co.uk or email me at caroline@coachyourlife.co.uk and I can answer any questions you have.