TIPS ON HOW TO AVOID EMOTIONAL OVERLOAD
Life has changed for most of us due to the pandemic. Are you feeling burned out? Do you feel like you are constantly under immense emotional and mental pressure? These tips my help you…
1. Get quality sleep.
It has been demonstrated that quality sleep can significantly lower your stress level and increase your tolerance for emotional overload. This is because the central nervous system experiences more strain throughout the day. The body regenerates itself during quality sleep hours.
2. Be more active.
The word exercise is the obvious choice here, but if you are not able to or you resist regular exercise, do what you can to simply move around more. Gentle stretching and twisting helps the back, the muscles and stimulates organs and digestion. The recommended daily activity/exercise amount ranges from 30-60 minutes.
3. Do not overdo your personal obligations.
This is especially true for individuals who are people pleasers and often find themselves saying yes to anyone who asks for help. Be aware of everything that costs you energy, i.e. being a sounding board for someone, helping a friend move, etc. When you push yourself to the limit, you might find yourself emotionally burned out or even physically sick. Learning to say no is all about respecting your self-boundaries.
4. Pamper yourself.
Dedicate a day or half a day every week or every other week to simply do what relaxes you, i.e. getting a massage, playing golf, going to the beach, etc. Resist the urge to think that you do not have time for some self-care and love.
5. Watch what you eat.
Everyone should, of course, avoid foods that are processed, contain artificial ingredients, high amounts of sugar, and saturated fats. But for a person who is under a lot of emotional stress, this is even more important. If you are experiencing any physical weakness, pain, or digestive issues, it might be worthwhile to consult a health coach or a nutritionist and explore the possibilities of a food sensitivity.
6. Meditate.
Taking advantage of any opportunity throughout the day, whether at work, school, or at home, to take a 5 minute time-out for a breathing meditation exercise. Try specifically breathing in deeply to the count of 4 (or 6 or 8) and then exhaling for twice as long. It is preferable to do this exercise in a darkened room, with the least amount of noise or even soft relaxing music playing in the background. Not only will you release the built up energy from your day, but will also be able to face the remaining part of the day with more energy and optimism.
