If you ever struggle with feeling overwhelmed, can I let you know that you are not alone. As professionals, we often have numerous expectations from numerous areas of our personal and professional lives, all seemingly needing to be prioritised. Seemingly all at the same time!
Overwhelm can be both positive and negative, as one can be overwhelmed with joy or gratitude. In this context, however, we are speaking about the negative feelings of overwhelm when everything gets too much. We can be overcome by life events, emotional issues, or what is going on in our heads. Or something completely different. For some, it could be the pressure of a significant change, or sudden loss, or possibly the pressure we put on ourselves.
We all, at one time, may experience overwhelm to one degree or another. It is important to note that a situation that is overwhelming for one person may not be for someone else. We are all different and have different levels of resilience for managing circumstances that we find ourselves in. This can be further compounded when the situations are unexpected and we already have lots on.
Now, for some this may seem frivolous, but one of the areas that I experience overwhelm in is my phone messages. There are absolutely more significant areas in which I experience overwhelm, but not all situations are appropriate for a public blog, I use my phone for both personal and business reasons and sometimes I may have 20+ conversations unread. As a ‘completer finisher’ I do like to have 0 notifications on my phone, and whilst I have a system to manage communication, there are times I cannot respond. Not for a practical reason, but I do not have the headspace to respond. Although it’s “only” messages, when there are so many on top of emails, meetings, deadlines, clients, social media messages and project planning etc., etc. I can find it overwhelming and so I leave them in the short term and schedule to read and respond another time.
When we find ourselves either experiencing overwhelm or on the brink of it, it is important to take care of ourselves. Taking time out, even if it is just for a few minutes to breathe, is important. Writing down what is most important or journaling emotions and thoughts can also be helpful. There are other practical steps we can take too, such as delegating, rescheduling, speaking to a colleague or a manager if it is work-related. If, like me, you run your own business or are self-employed hiring a virtual assistant is incredibly helpful and can alleviate some of the burden of feeling like you have to do everything by yourself.
How we relate to ourselves can also significantly impact how we navigate through seasons of overwhelm. Our self-talk or the ability to self-coach is vital to ensure our thoughts are managed appropriately. At the same time, knowing when we need to source additional support is necessary. Whether that is from a friend, talking to a mentor, counsellor, coach or a colleague. We all need others in our personal and professional lives.
So many of us juggle important jobs, careers, family responsibilities, our health journey, passion projects and the list goes on. When we know we have a particularly busy time coming up we can be intentional and plan a quieter time either before or after, or possibly both. In addition to setting clear expectations 
and boundaries on what you will or what you will not be able to take on board.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, you are definitely not alone, and if you feel like you are alone, you are not. There are people in your personal and professional lives who can be supportive, but often times we need to verbalise that we need that from them. You would be amazed at how many people are willing and able to support you. Be encouraged, seasons of feeling overwhelmed do not last forever. You’re doing great.
Francesca McDowall, February 2023