680: Anxiety and overwhelm: What to do when even little things feel like too much

This week on the Anxiety Slayer Podcast we’re talking about anxiety and overwhelm. Do you ever have those days when even the little things like brushing your teeth or making a meal feel like too much? Today we’re sharing suggestions to help you look after yourself during low times. 

 

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Points covered in this episode:

What you can do when you’rE feeling overwhelmed

Mindfulness Techniques:

  • Practice simple mindfulness practices like deep breathing exercises to help ground yourself in the present moment and alleviate anxious thoughts.

  •  Post BREATHE sticky notes to remember to breathe deeply

  • Encourage mindfulness apps or guided meditation sessions for regular practice, promoting relaxation and stress reduction.

Break Tasks into Manageable Steps:

  • Break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps to reduce feelings of overwhelm.

  • Create to-do lists or use organizational tools to prioritize tasks and track your progress, fostering a sense of accomplishment.

Self-Compassion, Humor and Acceptance:

  • Acknowledge your feelings without judgment.

  • Challenge negative self-talk and cultivate a more compassionate inner dialogue, fostering resilience in the face of anxiety.

  • No comparisons to others.

Establish Healthy Boundaries:

  • Set healthy boundaries in personal and professional relationships to manage stressors effectively.

  • Say "no" when necessary and prioritize your well being.

Here I am, having worked so hard, and for so long that I’ve made myself sick. And, worst of all, I’ve forgotten how to rest.”  - Katherine May from the book, “Wintering”  

Ayurvedic principles and practices 

Ayurvedic Diet and Nutrition:

  • Balance your diet according to your dosha (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) to promote overall well-being and balance in the body and mind.

  • Make foods such as warm herbal teas, cooked vegetables, whole grains, and nourishing soups to soothe the nervous system.

Daily Routine (Dinacharya) for calming anxiety:

  • Establish a daily routine aligned with natural circadian rhythms to support your physical and mental equilibrium.

  • Include self-care practices like oil massage (Abhyanga) and meditation into your daily routine to foster relaxation and reduce stress. 

  • Little Things: Even 1 breath or 1 minute of candle gazing can make a difference.

  • Spend time in nature, get adequate sleep, practice breath work to support overall emotional well-being.

Get over 200 Guided Relaxations, Tapping Sessions, and Ayurvedic Teachings for calming anxiety on our Patreon at Patreon.com/anxietyslayer