AT YOUR WIT’S END
Sometimes life can start feeling pretty overwhelming.
Job changes, burdensome boss, an endless to-do list, difficulties in the relationship can all add up. And when those around me start feeling an endless building of stuff, I’ve noticed common phrases being made.
“Grant, I’m over it! I’ve tried everything, I’ve followed the rules, I’ve put in the effort, but I don’t know how much longer I can handle all this. I’M AT MY WITS’ END.”
Do you relate? Do you feel like you’ve had enough? Is it becoming more difficult to have patience and rebound? Do you find yourself getting short with people? Maybe you feel constantly tired.
When feeling threatened, your body’s survival physiology takes over, and you go into “fight” or “flight” mode. Chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline begin to surge through our bodies. It is great in those moments of high stress, but our bodies were not designed to stay in a prolonged “fight” or “flight” mode. When that mode continues to last, negative effects start to happen.
Shorter patience. It takes longer to adjust when you receive news. Things that didn’t use to bother you are now bothering you.
When you are at your Wits’ End, try these things:
1. Be patient with yourself – Recognize it’s going to take you longer to recover; be okay with it. Recently, I faced a bunch of overwhelming news and for the most part I thought I was handling all the change pretty well, and then one day someone criticized how I parked (all they said was, “Hey, you kinda parked crooked in that space”). It was not a big deal, and on most days, it wouldn’t have bothered me at all, however, it took me all evening and into the next day to deal with my frustration. Chance are, you are responding more slowly also. Accept it and give yourself more time to adjust.
2. Keep things in perspective – It is so easy to turn little things into major catastrophes. I promise, burning the toast isn’t the end of the world! When you begin wondering how you can continue to endure because you just don’t think you can make it, remind yourself that you will do it the same way you’ve always done it, one day at a time. You’ve made it this far; you will continue on. This too shall pass.
3. Acknowledge you are getting stronger – trials and tribulations have an uncanny way of strengthening you. You are learning new tools, discovering new coping skills, and gaining new insights. Those things will benefit you in the future.
4. Become more grateful. Studies confirm that gratitude enhances mental well-being. Take time every day to express gratitude. Call a friend and tell your friend what you enjoy about the friendship. Go for a walk and literally stop and smell the flowers. Jot down a list of 10 things or people you are thankful to have in your life. Simple moments of gratitude can dramatically reduce stress in your life.
If you need help with any of the above ideas, I am available to talk with you.
Until Next Time!