6 Steps You Can Take to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed

It’s 2 PM, and you are frustrated because you have accomplished nothing. Your list is still as long as your arm and more have been piled on your plate. Your heart starts racing while you get more agitated at your circumstances. 

 

Then it hits – the feelings of overwhelm threaten to drown you. It’s possible to reign in those feelings of overwhelm and kick them to the curb. If you let these feelings get out of control, your body will reap the negative consequences, including poor eating and sleeping habits.

 

How to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed

 

Are you ready to stop the feelings of overwhelm that threaten to overtake you? Put these six steps into practice: 

 

1. Determine What Is Triggering the Feeling of Overwhelm: What started these feelings? For example, were you late to work because you overslept after staying up too late watching movies or working on a project? Take note and write it down if you need to.
 
2. Reframe Your Feelings: You will probably be full of negative thoughts and emotions. Instead of giving in to anger or hopelessness, replace it with empowerment and determination to tackle what is before you.
 
3. Sit Up Straight: As you feel overwhelmed, you may respond physically by hunching forward and taking shallow breaths. Take a moment to straighten up and take several deep belly breaths. The change will reinforce to your brain that you are switching emotions. 

4. Decide on One Small Step You Can Take Right Now: Look over your list, and decide on a tiny thing you can do at that moment, and do it. Once it is accomplished, pat yourself on the back and choose another task. With each one, you slowly tackle those items that have been weighing you down. Also, you reinforce to yourself that you can get things done.
 
5. Get Over What You Can’t Control: Focusing on things you cannot control is a waste of time, energy, and emotions. If you can do something about a situation, then take action. However, if you cannot, why not relax and let worry slip away.
 
6. Guard Your Calendar: A significant culprit to being overwhelmed is not protecting your time. It is okay to say no and leave some white space on your calendar. It is up to you to ensure keep your calendar free from being overbooked.

 

You can beat the feelings of overwhelm by being proactive and getting your emotions under control. Once you do, you will be empowered to knock out that To-Do list and protect your time.

5 Benefits to Life without Validation

How would you like more time in the day? 

 

If you're looking to get things done and free up more time for the fun stuff in life, then all you need to do is make one simple change in your life: let go of your need for validation.

 

Validation costs us all time and energy. Even now, think back over your day. How many times were you concerned about how someone else thought about you? How did this affect your actions? Let’s face it, we put a lot of effort into fitting in, being liked, and trying to make a good impression.

 

Now imagine what happens when you accept you're pretty fantastic already and don't need others to tell you so. What if you could just be yourself and not worry about the rest? Consider these benefits to life without validation:

 

You Don’t Have to Jump Through Hoops

 

How often have you contorted your thoughts, beliefs, ideas, and opinions to fit better with those around you, all just so others would think well of you? When you stop searching for validation, you can relax and be who you are.

 

You’re No Longer Fenced In

 

When you’re looking for validation from others, there are certain invisible boundaries we have to maintain. For example, we might find ourselves holding back from forming real friendships at work because we’re too busy trying to impress those around us. 

 

You Don’t Have to Rehearse Your Life

 

No more running lines of dialogue through your head to test it out before saying it! Imagine if you can just act naturally and even react naturally without having to ask yourself if you’re being too over-the-top. 

 

You Don’t Have to Play a Part

 

Too often, when we're looking for people to notice us, we wear a mask that we hide behind so no one can ever see our real selves. We try to be more put together, look like we're accomplishing more, and never mess up. These false personas can feel pretty oppressive, especially when things aren't going as well as you make them out to be. Rather than fake success, wouldn't it be nice to be your real self, as messy as it is sometimes?

 

You Don’t Have to Do Other People’s Work

 

How often have you said ‘yes’ to doing a favor for someone else because you were worried they wouldn’t like you or think well of you if you said ‘no’? Now imagine how much nicer it would be to pick and choose what you want to do instead.

 

Dropping the need for validation certainly changes things, doesn't it? So, consider these things the next time you think about fishing for a compliment or putting yourself out there to get attention. Try doing things your way instead and enjoy what happens next!

4 Ways to Let Go of Your Need to be Validated Once and For All

How sure are you of yourself?

 

It’s hard to feel confident all the time. Sometimes you really just need to know you're doing okay. Everything will be all right. However, reassuring yourself can be hard, especially when considering past history, which might have left behind unpleasant baggage. Isn't it just a whole lot easier to find validation from someone else?

 

Sure, you can. Validation is a fairly simple fix. Most people don’t mind handing out a compliment or two, especially if they know and like you already. The problem is this kind of validation is rarely satisfying. The effects never last near long enough. 

 

With this in mind, maybe it’s time to let go of validation once and for all. Instead, try embracing just how wonderful you are through these simple techniques:

 

Understand Your True Need

 

Just what are you really seeking out right now? For example, while you might be looking for a compliment on your new haircut, what you're really wanting to know is if you're attractive. Perhaps you're even hoping to catch the eye of someone special. 

 

Delve deep and ask the hard questions about what's behind your current need. Once you know this, see if you can discover a more satisfying solution to the problem. In this example, it might be better to remind yourself of what you like about yourself and what makes you outstanding already.

 

Step Back from Quicksand Be True to Yourself

 

The minute you start trying to please those around you to be liked, you're stepping into a miry wasteland. You'll soon discover you can never impress someone just once. You’ll always be trying to outdo yourself. Recognize when you’re falling into this trap and remind yourself it’s better to be liked for who you are, not how well you can fit someone else’s ridiculous standards.

 

Be True to Yourself

 

Being agreeable to what other people have to say is not only another way to be liked. It also compromises what you believe in. Take a pause now before speaking. Consider what you were about to say. Was this you talking or them? You might want to reconsider your words. It is better to be honest about how you feel, or if need be, stay silent rather than compromise your ideals.

 

Show Your Individuality

 

Finally, just be you. Speak your mind, be authentic, and step out in confidence. Quit second-guessing yourself and instead live harmoniously with your own beliefs. 

 

Remember: never compromise who you are for the sake of flattery or acceptance. Instead, look to yourself and see instead just how wonderful you already are.

5 Positive Traits You Develop When You Stop Seeking Validation

How would you like to be a better person?

 

If you spend time reading self-help articles, you probably think most change comes from doing something new. Today you’re going to try something different. Rather than starting a whole new regimen or adopting a new behavior, you’re going to develop five positive traits all by stopping something you’ve been doing all your life.

 

From the time we’re small, we learn validation feels good. We seek it out, looking for understanding, acceptance, and inner peace. We don't realize just how much this constant search for positive attention is holding us back. Consider these five things which happen when you stop looking outside yourself for validation:

 

You See a More Diverse World

 

Consider this: everyone really doesn’t have to agree with each other after all. Instead of seeking validation by going along with what those around you are thinking or doing, maybe you can set a new trend by expressing who you are. Encourage those around you to likewise speak up and be their own people. Imagine how much nicer the world would be if we all could do this!

 

You’re More Certain of Things

 

When we rely on other people to tell us if we’re doing things right or not, we can get mixed messages. Someone likes our work, while someone else might not. Now imagine this: if validation doesn’t matter, you know the only opinion which truly matters is yours. This certainly clears out the confusion!

 

You Take Better Care of Yourself

 

It's hard to put forward your needs when you're too busy seeing to the needs of others or rushing about trying to appease those around you. These are the traits that lead to overwork and exhaustion. When you quit seeking validation, you can step back when you need to and get proper rest. You'll also find it easier to express when you need a break or to get something to eat.

 

You Become a Calmer Person

 

There's certainly a lot less stress if you don't have to impress everyone around you all the time. With all the pressure off, you can relax into just being yourself.

 

You Exude Confidence

 

Finally, you don't need anyone else to inform you of your worth when you drop validation. You already know how amazing you are. When you carry this knowledge with you, you can't help but walk a little taller. This is you at your best, and the world knows it.

Learn the Reasons Why You Don’t Trust Yourself

Many people don’t trust themselves for one reason or another. If you include yourself in this group, ask yourself why. Knowing the cause can help you break the issue down and begin to change. Once you discover the problem, you will be well on your way to learning how to trust yourself.

 

Start with your childhood. No, this doesn’t mean you have to spill your guts to a shrink lying on a couch. However, if you think back to your childhood, it can give you some clues as to why you have developed a distrust of yourself. Perhaps your parents were distrustful of themselves. It could also be siblings or other relatives. The purpose is not to blame them. Just recognize that it happened and use it to move forward.

 

Do you find it difficult to trust others? It’s a situation that causes you to be in a constant mode of distrust. It isn’t too much of a stretch for that mode to extend to you. Therefore, you have to learn how to start putting trust in other people. Most people will appreciate you for it.

 

Are you an overly sensitive person? If so, this could cause you to be mistrustful of yourself. You may take what others’ say out of context. That is because of your sensitive nature. It’s not wrong to be sensitive. You just have to realize that it can cause you to misread what others are saying or feeling.

 

Putting your trust in others is sometimes going to backfire. Some people are simply not trustworthy. They may even put on a front that they are. You should accept this as a part of life, and try not to project experiences from a few onto other people. Otherwise, you are going to continue to maintain your wall. This wall will make it difficult for you to trust others as well as yourself.

 

Another reason for not trusting yourself is that others don’t trust you. If you are not trustworthy, how can you expect to trust yourself? You may not even realize this is happening. You may think you are doing right by others when in fact, you aren’t. Ask for an honest assessment as to whether your friends and family feel you are trustworthy. That can be a hard pill to swallow, but it will offer great insight. Try not to get upset if people tell you that you aren’t trustworthy. It’s a learning experience.

Better Body Image

Do you want to have a better body image, but you aren't sure where to start? Remember, having a better body image isn't a simple change. It's more of a journey. There are many things you can do along the way to help you improve the way you see yourself. 

 

Lower Social Media Consumption

 

Do you spend hours scrolling through photos of hot models on vacation on social media? This behavior needs to stop. This doesn't mean you have to give up all social media; it just means you need to mute people who make you feel envious. Jealousy and envy aren't healthy for your body image. Instead, you should try to follow people who inspire you to love yourself just the way you are. 

 

Create Reminders For Yourself

 

Get some sticky notes and put reminders and compliments on them for yourself. Then take the time to place them all over your house for you to find at a later time. You can even place them in your wallet and around your workspace at work—wherever you think you need a little encouragement.

 

Do Things That Make You Feel Good

 

Sitting and staring at the mirror and wishing you were someone else is never going to change anything. Instead, it would be best if you did active things which make you feel good. Take a class at your local gym, go for a walk in nature, or spend time with friends. All of these things will help you to feel more positive about yourself. 

 

Don’t Compare Yourself To Others

 

Whatever you do, comparing yourself to others needs to stop right now. You are your own unique person, and there is no one out there quite like you. No one has done the exact things you have done in the exact way. In that same manner, you will never look exactly like someone else. It's time to look in the mirror and know you are looking at someone who is uniquely you.

 

Learning to have a better body image is no easy task. And it certainly won't just take one step to get there. You will probably need to do all of the things on this list to have a better body image - and maybe more. But once you do, you'll be glad you chose to take the journey and learned to love yourself just the way you are. 

 

How to Be Happier in Your Own Skin

You can change many things about your life, but your skin is not one of them. This is why you need to learn to be happier in your own skin. The problem is, this is often much easier said than done. Below are a few ways you can learn to be happier in the body you have.

 

Develop Positive Affirmations

 

Grab a stack of sticky notes and write down all the things you love about yourself. Then place these sticky notes in places where you will find them later. These places could be on your mirror, in your wallet, or even around your desk at work. Then every time you see them, you can be reminded of what an amazing person you are.

 

Quit Scrolling Social Media

 

Social media creates unrealistic expectations of the human body. If you feel uncomfortable in your skin because of social media, it's time to stop participating. Instead, it would be best to find more body-positive media to engage in, such as books, music, and TV shows that make you feel great about who you are.

 

Work On Your Body Language

 

Believe it or not, your body language can play a huge part in feeling comfortable in your own skin. Every time you find yourself hunched over with your arms folded, how does this make you feel? Not very good, right? Exactly. It's time to walk with your shoulders pulled back, and your head held high—you'll be surprised by how much this small change affects your mood.

 

Ensure You Love The Clothes You Wear

 

If you are wearing clothes which don't make you feel comfortable in your own skin, then it's time to get clothes that do! Aim to find clothes that fit you and are flattering for your body. This will help ensure you feel great about yourself. It can help if, while you are shopping, you resolve not to look at the sizes and rather try on things that look like they will fit you and decide from there. 

 

Being happier in your own skin is a lifelong journey that almost everyone on this earth must take. But you can make this task easier on yourself by developing positive affirmations, quitting social media, working on your body language, and buying clothes that make you feel confident.  Just don't forget that being positive about yourself and your body ultimately must come from within. 

 

Why You Should Accept Your “Flaws”

People always tell you that you should accept your flaws, but accepting your flaws is easier said than done. There are many reasons you should work to accept your flaws that could change your life.

 

Flaws Are A Distraction

 

When you are so focused on the parts of you that aren't perfect, this will distract you from your goals in life. Then instead of pursuing your goals, you'll be too busy thinking about your flaws. So when you accept your flaws, this gives you more time to pursue your purpose in life. 

 

You’ll Feel Lighter

 

Flaws tend you weigh you down. They sit heavy on your mind and prevent you from feeling good about yourself. Once you accept yourself just as you are, flaws and all, you will feel like a weight had been lifted off your shoulders - and this is a great feeling.

 

It Will Give You Perspective

 

Flaws aren’t all bad. For example, one of your flaws could be that you always throw yourself into an assignment too completely, which takes away from your other projects. Although this isn't a good thing, there are several ways you can make this flaw work for you. First, you need to accept the flaw so that you can gain some perspective on how you can work with it. 

 

You’ll Be Mentally Healthier

 

Thinking negative thoughts all the time isn’t good for you. And if you are focusing on your flaws, these are likely negative thoughts. Constant negative thinking like this can lead to serious issues, even depression, if you leave them unchecked. Once you accept your flaws, some negative thinking will go away, which will help you have a much happier mentality.

 

You Can Embrace Others’ Flaws

 

Now that you've accepted your flaws, the cool thing is, it will be easier to embrace others' flaws. This will improve your relationships with others just by accepting your flaws. And who doesn't want to have a better relationship with your friends, family, and significant other?

 

Overall, accepting your flaws isn't going to be an easy journey, but many aspects of your life will change for the better once you accept them. You'll not only feel better, but you'll feel lighter and be able to use your flaws to your advantage. By embracing your flaws, you can then use them to help you achieve success in life.  

 

5 Soul-Nourishing Activities for Personal Growth

Your soul is the essence of your being. It guides you on life’s journey’s and drives your passions. Nourishing your soul is an essential part of your spiritual and personal growth and well-being. In the fast-paced world of today, where there is much anxiety and stress, making time for your self-care is vital in finding your inner peace and feeding your spirit. 

Soulful living refers to cultivating a fulfilling life and embracing your true self. It helps you to discover your innermost passions and desires and find ways to bring those to life. When you prioritize emotional well-being, self-discovery, and personal development, you can create a firm foundation for a soulful life. 

Nourishing your soul is essential for leading a fulfilling, balanced, and meaningful life. Just as your body needs food and water to thrive, your soul requires care and attention to flourish. 

Here are 24 compelling reasons to prioritize nourishing your soul:

1.    Promotes Inner Peace

2.    Fosters Authentic Connections

3.    Enhances Emotional Resilience

4.    Ignites Creativity and Inspiration

5.    Increases Self-Awareness

6.    Provides a Sense of Purpose

7.    Supports Physical Health

8.    Deepens Your Spiritual Connection

9.    Cultivates Gratitude

10. Promotes Mental Clarity

11. Encourages Personal Growth

12. Strengthens Your Intuition

13. Improves Relationships

14. Rekindles Joy

15. Helps You Break Free from Old Patterns

16. Builds Compassion and Empathy

17. Prevents Burnout

18. Aligns You with Your Passions

19. Encourages Mindfulness

20. Creates a Ripple Effect

21. Leads to Lasting Happiness

22. Helps You Navigate Transitions

23. Improves Your Relationship with Yourself

24. Inspires a Legacy

Here are 5 soul-nourishing activities that will lead to personal growth.

1. Fueling Your Passions

Set aside time every day to do whatever makes your soul its happiest. Getting caught up in your day-to-day life can leave you placing the things you enjoy off to the side. Life is all about balance. 

You may work so much that you forget how much you enjoy painting, dancing, music, gardening, or writing. Make time for things like this that can make you happy. Working without playing may leave you with more risk of excess stress and health issues. Be sure to set aside time for play and fun in your life, so you can do more of the things you love. 

2. Spending Time in Nature

Spend some time in nature each day, to help nourish your body, soul, and mind. Nature gives you respite from the distractions and demands of your life and lets you reconnect with yourself on a more profound level. 

Immersing yourself in nature can reduce stress, boost your mental well-being, and improve your mood. It gives you a chance for some relaxing physical activity, too. The natural light and fresh air invigorate your body, promoting vitality and physical health. Nature also offers inner peace and a sanctuary where you can reflect and be nourished spiritually. 

3. Experiencing and Performing Acts of Compassion and Kindness

If you have experienced acts of kindness from strangers, you’ll remember how good they feel. Compassion and kindness like that has ripple effects. When you are kind, it doesn’t matter how small your acts of kindness may be. 

You will experience kindness that comes back to you from the experience. When you’re kind, your soul opens and is nourished. It expands and embraces the world. In that state, you feel transformed, and feel that you can transform the lives of others, as well, allowing for personal growth. When you perform kind acts, you influence other people to be kind as well, creating an endless chain of kindness. 

4. Cultivating Mindfulness

When you can live in the moment, it’s meaningful, because you really only have the present. Take a moment to be still, to listen to your thoughts, in ways like these:

• Focus first on your breathing, rather than your thoughts.

• Let your thoughts come and go easily and refocus on your breathing.

• Sit in a position comfortable for you. 

• Find a quiet, safe place where you can meditate, so you can relax and focus. You can be mindful indoors or outdoors. 

5. Listening to Other People

You can nourish your soul when you listen to others. Truly listening is not an easy thing to do – too often you’re thinking about your next reply. You have been conditioned since youth to wait until another person stops talking and then jump in with your thoughts. 

But that is not true listening. In real listening, you give 100% of your attention to the person talking, without worrying about what you want to say. True listening is a wonderful gift you can give to someone.

Conclusion

Even if you have everything in this world that you need, like money, shelter, food, and other material things, it’s too easy to forget that you need to practice spirituality to nourish your soul. Performing soul-nourishing activities is essential to your sense of well-being and your personal growth. This will help you on life’s journey to improve your mental and emotional health.