5 Ways to Navigate Overwhelm in a New Season
August is here and the end of summer is near! This time of year can feel like the pull between one last smore and a new planner to finish the year strong. I have found Knoxville to be a town that revolves around the school year so naturally this time of year focuses on new routines, schedules, and transitions regardless if you or your children are actually headed back to school! Most are excited, some are nervous, many are overwhelmed. My oldest took swimming lessons this summer for the first time. Her teacher said everyday, “You have to do one brave thing everyday, this is your brave thing.”
What is your brave thing as we embrace a shifting calendar? Whatever it might be, I want to encourage you like my daughter’s teacher, do your brave thing today - you can do hard things.
If you are finding yourself overwhelmed, here are 5 tips to help you navigate a shifting season.
Find your steady. What is going well? What doesn’t have to change or can be an anchor for the things in your life that are changing. Examples might be reading scripture in the morning, moving your body during the day, phones away at dinner for family conversation, packing snacks and water whenever you leave the house. Find what is working for you and your home and continue utilizing this strength when overwhelmed.
Downsize. Maybe you said “yes” too much. That is okay. Now is a great time to assess your capacity and recommit to what is feasible for you. Make note of the Add/Drop class date, talk and pray with your spouse about what you value in this season, be clear with co-workers about what your working hours are and set appropriate boundaries with technology as needed.
Tell someone! Sometimes the overwhelm becomes noise and the listening ear of a friend or counselor can be a relief and an encouragement to you that you aren’t alone and that you are cared for even when life doesn’t look pretty.
Anticipate. Research shows that the anticipation of a vacation is more enjoyable than the vacation itself! What are you most excited about in this upcoming season? Notice it, share it, and let yourself enjoy what might be ahead.
Remember your oxygen mask. Taking care of yourself is not selfish, it is actually a gift to all of those around you. In an airplane you are instructed to put your oxygen mask on first so that you can help those around you. So don’t burn both ends of the candle in August and expect to make it to the New Year. Make the workout happen, prioritize sleep, meet a friend for coffee or book club to refresh and reset. Pulling off your oxygen mask only hinders the people and projects around you. Make the time so that you can put that energy back into your life and those you love.
