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What To Do When You Experience “Overwhelm”?

This post was most recently updated on February 23rd, 2014

 

donnamerrilltribe.comWe all get the feeling sometimes that there is so much to do being a Solopreneur, that you just want to throw your hands up in the air and give up. Before you do, here are a list of coping mechanisms and techniques that can help you. The following is what I find effective when I am feeling Overwhelmed.

 

One technique I like to use is DISTRACTION.

You can calm your emotions by getting involved and engaged in a totally off-task activity:

Stop what you are doing and shut down the computer.

 

Take a walk
Chop some veggies and cook them
Do some cleaning in your office or home
Go out and have a meal you normally don’t have

This will help distract you from thinking negatively. I find the more mundane the action, the better it is. Try chopping veggies, washing dishes or walking the dog.

 

Another technique that has helped me re-group in the past is CONTRIBUTION.

 

You can CONTRIBUTE to some thing to help people less fortunate than you.

Volunteer at a soup kitchen
Do a random act of kindness for someone

You get the idea.

 

TAKE A MENTAL BREAK

 

Take a little break and focus on your breathing.
Imagine yourself in a bubble that protects you from all anxiety and distress.
Look at the situation and imagine it is on the back burner of the stove. You know it’s there, but it is on simmer and you can take care of it later

 

Work with OPPOSITE EMOTIONS

If you are bombarded and feel anxious, helpless, hopeless or any of the negative feelings you may have, turn things around by:

Playing inspiring, upbeat music that makes you feel good… instead of ruminating or playing sad music.
Watch a comedy or a movie on TV

Turn those negative emotions into positive ones.

 

THE SENSE OF TOUCH CAN ALSO DIVERT YOUR NEGATIVE THOUGHTS OR EMOTIONS.

You can derail negative thinking with TOUCH.

When your emotions are intense, do something else intense such as:

Holding an ice cube in your hand
Taking a hot shower
Getting in the hot tub (if available)

Sensations will forge new subconscious patterns, or neuro-links in your mind, .

 

Control overwhelm with your THOUGHTS

You are thinking distressful thoughts that overwhelm you.

So stop them with these methods:

Count to 10
Focus your mind on the colors around you for a few minutes
Think intently about something that has made you happy in the past

 

When you practice these skills until you master them, they will help you turn things around.

Don’t give up your goals just because you are overwhelmed. Carry on your plans to get things accomplished.

Even if you took just one of the actions above and implemented it when you are feeling distressed or overwhelmed, It will work.
You will find that you can re-group and get back into action.

 

CHOOSE ONE SKILL, do it and master it. That’s all it takes.

It can be a five minute re-roup or it might take longer than that.

I am writing this because I feel it is so important to keep balanced in order for you to be successful in your goals and/or daily tasks.

I always think about the fact that 97% of people fail in their business. Those are the people who give up because they are overwhelmed or their business did not meet their expectations within the time frame they anticipated. It does take time for your business to prosper. It never happens overnight.

You will frequently be challenged with emotions that make you want to throw in the towel. Don’t! If you have a passion to succeed, this is the time to use it.

 

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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58 Responses to What To Do When You Experience “Overwhelm”?

  1. Mark Hunt June 19, 2012 at 4:35 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Many of the techniques you have given have helped me a lot when I struggled. Even for people having to go to work or being piled up with life in general will find value in reading this article. There is so much help out there when you feel overwhelmed and feel like you can’t finish what you started.

    Thank you so much for sharing your amazing thoughts with us.
    Have a great rest of the week,
    Mark Hunt

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 23, 2012 at 4:47 am #

      Thank you for your kind words Mark

      Overwhelm is prevalent in our society. It doesn’t necessarily pertain to internet marketers. I have many clients that experience this.

      Just a few of the techniques above can eliminate it.

      Thanks for visiting,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You Hiding Under A “Blogging Umbrella?”My Profile

  2. Jeffrey T. Sooey May 16, 2012 at 9:28 am #

    Thanks for the suggestions. I agree with you that we need to keep balance in our lives. Sometimes the feeling of overwhelm takes over our lives, thus we are unable to act accordingly and we give up. Let us stop for a moment and take a break. Let us take a step back and try to organize our thoughts so that we can move forward and be in control.

  3. Doug Braddock May 14, 2012 at 9:49 pm #

    Thank you, Donna,for writing this very valuable post.

    You are sharing many great suggestions for dealing with overwhelm.

    Yes, distraction can be a good one!

    Not so sure about holding and icecube in your hand …?

    It would be great if your suggestions would be taught at school!
    Doug Braddock recently posted..Award Winner in Hollywood Film FestivalMy Profile

  4. Christina Maynard May 13, 2012 at 6:07 pm #

    Very Cool:) I just did a post on something similar… I hadn’t thought of touch…. so so so true though:) Thank you for reminding me!

  5. Jacob May 10, 2012 at 12:44 am #

    Shutting down the computer is a great strategy. It is very hard just to walk away. Its like glue. A good idea is to take mini breaks. Go grab some water. Thanks for the tips.

  6. John Gaydon May 9, 2012 at 1:48 pm #

    Great tips Donna,

    Sometimes we do need to take a break or we get overwhelmed. My two cents worth. Gratitude is known as the master erase. Spend a few minutes listing some of the things in your life you are grateful for, and overwhelm just melts away. I do think self absorption is a big issue for most of us. Get the focus off you!
    John Gaydon recently posted..Internet Marketing And The Death UrgeMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 9, 2012 at 7:32 pm #

      Excellent idea John! When living in the Gratitude state, this won’t happen that often. When I wake, before I plant my feet on the floor, I go down a list of things I’m grateful for. Taking a deep breath and breathing while I do that. It certainly does melt overwhelm away.
      Thanks,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What To Do When You Experience “Overwhelm”?My Profile

  7. William Amis
    Twitter:
    May 9, 2012 at 8:40 am #

    Donna, yes we all have been in this place and learn to deal with it.

    If people start with the right supportive group around them. Then do not think or act to have to do everything themselves. They will achieve good balance without feeling overwhelmed.

    It is when we take on too much of the load we will fall. Balance and writing things down for order will be priceless.

    I keep my group active with using each other as extensions of our business. We all have goals and keep them by not making it so hard to allow someone else to take a piece of it to accomplish each milestone to get the job done.

    Great techniques, Donna and that is why your one of our greatest coaches in this global industry.

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 9, 2012 at 7:29 pm #

      Hi William, Thanks for the compliment. It is great that you are distributing the workload to balance your business. Being a Solo-preneur gets overwhelming really fast. But as we grow, we can bring in a team to redistribute the workload.
      Those that are juggling out there find it difficult when doing everything themselves. A little check-in with the inner self is good to do. In fact if a person takes one nugget from above and applies it to their lifestyle, it will prevent overload.
      Thanks William,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What To Do When You Experience “Overwhelm”?My Profile

  8. Perry Davis May 8, 2012 at 3:51 pm #

    Hello Donna

    Very timely post,there seems to be a dramatic increase in the number of people experiencing overwhelm. When we are stressed, we feel overwhelmed as if too much has been “piled” on us. According to a study conducted by Catalyst in 2009, “55% of employees were stressed to the point of feeling extremely fatigued and out of control.” The same study in 2011 reported the number had increased to 68%. The techniques you share will help everyone reduce overwhelm in their lives. Stop what your are doing and shut down is very effective. My favorite technique for overcoming overwhelm comes from Psalms 46:10. Another thought about stopping what your are doing comes from John De Paola who wrote “Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you.” Thanks for reminding us that we don’t have to feel overwhelmed, we have choices, and we can design our day and especially our experiences.

    Thanks

    Perry A Davis Jr
    Music City
    Perry Davis recently posted..What is the next big thing in network marketing?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 9, 2012 at 3:44 am #

      Perry, what a wonderful comment that you have added to this blog! I thank you for adding the stats that there is an increase of stress and fatigue in the workplace. I’ve seen it myself, but didn’t know the numbers.
      Most of all I love that quote!
      When we are “chasing” we miss so much. It is like driving down a road versus walking that road. There is so much you miss when in your car. When walking, there is so much more to notice.
      Blessings to you,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What To Do When You Experience “Overwhelm”?My Profile

  9. Laura May 8, 2012 at 9:29 am #

    When I feel nervous or overwhelmed about something, shopping clothes,going out for a nice run alone, and watch the nature usually help me. Doing meditation is an awesome way for managing stress too!

  10. Raena Lynn May 8, 2012 at 2:18 am #

    Hi Donna,

    This is an excellent post because so many people can relate to it, especially in this business. We all hit a point of overwhelm and it’s not pretty! Let’s look at how we get there in the first place. The core cause of getting to the state of overwhelm is “lack of balance.” When we have created balance in our lives, it doesn’t leave very much room for overwhelm. The chaos, confusion, frustration, and overwhelm comes because we choose to spend too much time doing one task, rather than breaking up the tasks, taking breaks, and incorporating balance daily or for long term periods of time.

    I’ll bet a majority of your readers, regardless if they work a j o b or are independent entrepreneurs have found themselves fatigued and overwhelmed because they have eliminated all of the things you listed to help get out of the overwhelm state?

    You listed easy, practical ways to relieve being overwhelmed: Distraction, contribution, mental breaks, opposite emotions, thoughts control and touch. If we incorporate these in our lives first, we would very rarely have the need to consciously force ourselves to do them to relive the feelings of being overwhelmed.

    By the way, I shut my computer down every night…haha

    Raena Lynn

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 9, 2012 at 3:19 am #

      Good point Reana…when you said that if we incorporate these in our lives first, we would very rarely have the need to consciously force ourselves to relieve the feelings of overwhelm…
      If a person takes just one technique and practices it, masters it, then, when those overwhelming feelings roll in, they can use it as a method to keep balance.
      And yes, in this business we do experience so much of it.
      Thanks Reana
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What To Do When You Experience “Overwhelm”?My Profile

  11. Akos Fintor May 7, 2012 at 10:12 pm #

    Hey Hey Donna,

    Great tips.
    I am a sucker for yoga. I started practicing about a year ago when I decided to go vegetarian.
    When you’re online a LOT with 17 post-it notes in front of you stacked with to do’s; it is easy to get overwhelmed.
    I call it the “chatter box” syndrome. Those racing thoughts can drive people nuts. ( sometimes I feel I don’t think my thoughts but my thoughts are thinking me 🙂 )
    Taking a break and doing a 40 minute yoga session really helps me to unplug the chatter box. 🙂

    PS: I agree that success in anything is not about doing 5 million things but doing 14 (I don’t know how I come with the number 14 🙂 ) things over and over……………………….and over again.

    cheers, Donna!

    Akos

  12. Beth Hewitt
    Twitter:
    May 7, 2012 at 10:05 pm #

    These tips can really be a life saver. With overwhelm can come stress and that is a horrible thing to experience. Since I have survived stress I know the warning signs, it actually physical with a pain in my chest and it might sound silly but I am grateful that it is such an obvious sign that I couldn’t mistake what it is.

    These days when ever I get the ‘pain’ I leave where-ever I am and go do something different even if it is just for 5 minutes and I repeat in my head what ever it is I need to hear ‘YOU CAN DO THIS’, ‘YOU’RE ALMOST THERE’ ‘YOU ARE DOING BRILLIANT’

    So long as I don’t say it out loud I wont sound like a complete fruitcake!! HA HA

    Beth 🙂

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 8, 2012 at 1:48 am #

      Hi Beth, I know what you mean when you say that you had a pain in your chest. I used to get panic attacks. But I count that as a blessing because it took me on yet another journey in my life to learn all about “Mindset” and that lifted me to another level.
      When pain comes in, listen to it and find the answer. I’m glad you learned such great affirmations to get yourself out of it. Looks like you have learned a lot. BTW If you did say it out loud, just put the phone by your ear. ha ha
      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What To Do When You Experience “Overwhelm”?My Profile

  13. Cat Alexandra May 7, 2012 at 7:35 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    What a wonderful choice of topic! I think that learning to care for ourselves as we’re in the amazing and potentially overwhelming learning mode of life and business!

    It is just so easy to get completely sucked into what we do, losing sight of our own needs. I have certainly been someone who has dealt with this at varying points of my own journey as a solopreneur, as you put it! Clever!!

    Dedicating time to self is so important to keeping ourselves balanced and feeling healthy. These tips you have shared certainly demonstrate how simple it can be to do just that. I especially love how you mixed it up – I think that this will allow people with different tastes and preferences to find something effective that really works for their personality type.

    I love the advice of shutting down and going for a walk or doing something active, offline. I do this one often. I have my little buddy, she’s a 3.5 pound Yorkie who is full of love, life, and ENERGY! We have fun going for little walks and jogs together. It’s a great time to bond, soak in some of nature’s goodness, and come back refreshed!

    Thanks for these vital tips, Donna! It says a lot about your heart for people that you will help them to care for the whole of them! 😀

    Highest regards,
    Cat 😀

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 8, 2012 at 1:25 am #

      Hi Cat, Having a dog is a constant reminder of shutting down. Dogs do have that way about them that requires us to pay attention to them. I have 3 so I know what you mean. If I really need a break I take my hound with me to the waterfalls that I live by. Of course, on his leash, but he drags me to places unknown. Hounds like to flip up fallen pieces of wood to see what is under them. I’m at one with my hound so we go on quasi hunting trips like this. He teaches me to look beyond what I see. He always gets me to a good place.
      Give your Yorkie a kiss for me
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What To Do When You Experience “Overwhelm”?My Profile

  14. Steve Vernon May 7, 2012 at 5:50 pm #

    Great article, Donna, and you hit on a situation that we all experience at times, whether or not we may be in business for ourselves. I have to admit the first solution you listed (getting off task) is NEVER a problem for me, HA! One of my favorite spiritual teachers, Eckhart Tolle, constantly stresses the vital importance of being in the now, and several of your solutions help one do exactly that. For example, concentrating on your breathing (a classic and extremely effective technique), or holding an ice cube in your hand (how could one possibly think about anything else when you’re doing that?). Love your post! Thanks, my friend!

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 8, 2012 at 1:21 am #

      Hey Steve, I’m an Eckhart Tolle gal myself and being in the now is so important. I do practice that each day. It doesn’t come automatically, one has to keep their mindset on it. I do take time each day to train my brain to be in the now. It is an ongoing process.
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What To Do When You Experience “Overwhelm”?My Profile

  15. Richard Goutal May 7, 2012 at 3:44 pm #

    Taking a walk works wonders for me (including cutting the grass). But why do I resist doing it so much?

    Your comment about touch makes sense for me. In fact you have given me several new possibilities to try.

    Another thing is organizing for step by step activity instead of lunging at every task, idea, invitation, and offer in site. Just say no.

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 8, 2012 at 12:44 am #

      Hi Richard! I think it is a great idea to put a post it on my computer saying “Just Say NO” ha ha There are so many distractions that we must be self disciplined to stay on point. When my mind starts going in circles, I immediately take a break and use one of the techniques above.
      A for cutting the grass? I do it by calling the landscaper!
      Blessings to you,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What To Do When You Experience “Overwhelm”?My Profile

  16. Patricia Gozlan May 7, 2012 at 10:15 am #

    Hi Donna,
    This post is so good for me now, it is timely the way mine was for you!

    By the way yesterday because I felt overwhelmed with all the work I am doing as my business develops I worte 3 articles on overwhelm and how our body has an intelligence we do not know of.

    I have decided to use a timer, every hour a take a walk and find fun ways to break the pattern!
    Your tips are so useful all of them are powerful- and as you say just choosing one is more than enough!

    Working too many hours have cost me insomina and back pains!

    Having balance , listening to our body, loving it and knowing why we do what we do is a discipline and a must;)

    Thanks Donna!
    Patricia Gozlan recently posted..3 Reasons Why You Should Love Your BodyMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 8, 2012 at 12:41 am #

      If there is anyone who knows about this subject it you Patricia. You are always giving us the tools we need in balancing our mind/body/spirit. Yes, we must listen to our bodies. My husband always says “Your Body Knows” to remind me when I complain of a pain or insomnia.
      Thanks for your stopping by and your wonderful input,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What To Do When You Experience “Overwhelm”?My Profile

  17. Martin Casper May 4, 2012 at 11:10 pm #

    Wow…Donna!
    You hit a homerun on this post. So many great ways to beat the feeling of being overwhelmed. I especially like the one of shut off your computer. All of us internet marketers hit that wall from time to time. We need to learn to step back and take a breather for a day. Use that time to “contribute” to a good cause. By doing this, your are striking back in two ways. Thanks!

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 8, 2012 at 12:38 am #

      Glad you found it useful Martin. Yes, when working the way we do, Overwhelm is sometimes saying it lightly. It is one piece of the puzzle of doing our own business on line. Just like Time Management, Effective Marketing Strategy, etc.
      Thanks for your flattering comment,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What To Do When You Experience “Overwhelm”?My Profile

  18. marquita herald
    Twitter:
    May 4, 2012 at 8:02 pm #

    Well I practice distraction pretty much every single day Donna 🙂

    Great tips – I especially like your advice about working with opposite emotions. Whether it’s overwhelm or over work, I make a point of walking away from what I’m doing 3 or 4 times a day. Taking a walk to the nearby park is a favorite break, but sometimes I’ll even curl up with a good mystery/thriller for half an hour. However we choose to manage it, mindfully giving ourselves a periodic mental health break really works wonders!
    marquita herald recently posted..Need a Confidence Boost? Take Time to Appreciate Just How Awesome You Really Are!My Profile

  19. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    May 4, 2012 at 7:40 pm #

    I love this post as well Donna and I do a few of the things you’ve mentioned here.

    For me personally, I either just get away from my computer and go do something else for a short time, I take that time to take my dog out or I just love on my dog and that always seem to help me.

    I don’t find myself overwhelmed as much as just need a break. But doing things for others is another way to really make you feel so much better. I know it does for me and I have a few neighbors that are always needing something. Okay, they’re just close.

    I think I’ll hang onto this list for future reference. May help me to come up with other ideas when I need them.

    Great share Donna, thank you.

    ~Adrienne
    Adrienne recently posted..What Is Posting On Purpose For ProfitMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 5, 2012 at 2:18 am #

      Thanks Adrienne! Doing something for others is a great way to clear your head! I try to incorporate this kind of thing in my life at least once a week. A random act of kindness. A trip to drop off clothing for the needy. Also I show up at a food bank once in a while (I used to do it every Tuesday, but it took too much time). I find the food bank an awesome experience. Packing veggies, getting things set up and then handing them out to people. It is a great connect I get there. Serving strangers is a wonderful feeling.
      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What To Do When You Experience “Overwhelm”?My Profile

  20. Rebekah Radice
    Twitter:
    May 4, 2012 at 5:53 pm #

    I love these suggestions Donna! My favorite is distraction. I actually have a physical reminder in front of me that says “shut down the computer” for at least a few minutes in the morning and afternoon. Just walking outside with my dogs or spending a few minutes playing with them makes the stress melt away.

  21. Barry Wells May 4, 2012 at 5:07 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Have you been peeping over my shoulder these past 2 weeks? 😆

    I’ve been suffering from hitting resource limits with my hosting company and have been working away trying to solve them. Slowly getting there when BAMB my blog gets shut down for triggering an automated script.

    I got in touch with the hosting company, who turn me back on and before I can get and make changes BAMB I’m shut down again from the same script. I get in touch and explain that I’ve been following instructions to put it right, get switched on again and…… Yep BAMB they switched me off again only this time they don’t come back to until the following day. But we have solved the issue…. I hope. It was crawlers hitting me hard and fast that triggered the auto script to switch me off but boy oh boy was it frustrating.

    I wish I’d had your list then Donna. I did come away from the PC altogether and felt a little better for doing so but I knew the stress would be there when I returned.

    I’ll be trying to switch off some more now that I’m back up and running and will make use of your tips, thanks Donna 😉

    Barry
    Barry Wells recently posted..A Solution To Your Plugin Nightmares and Slow Loading BlogsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 5, 2012 at 1:52 am #

      Oh No Barry! There were so many people that got shut down due to Google’s new algorithms! I was on a webinar explaining how so many people were shut down this week.
      I’m sure it was more than frustrating for you! When these things happen it is like a sucker punch!
      But practicing one of these techniques, mastering it by using it every day will help when stuff like this happens.
      Glad you fixed it!
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What To Do When You Experience “Overwhelm”?My Profile

  22. Carol Lynn May 4, 2012 at 4:15 pm #

    WOW, Donna, this was fantastic! So wonderful and inspiring. I think you read my mind in some places. A few things I find work for me that you mentioned: doing something “mundane”. Sometimes I just go wash the dishes or fold the laundry. And if I can put some music on while I do, that’s even better.

    Also, shutting the computer down is so underrated! I think being “on” all the time contributes to stress and anxiety. Sometimes I catch myself picking up my phone about every two seconds to check if a new email or text or tweet came in. Doing that makes me way more nervous than I need to be – basically I’m overwhelming myself!

    It’s good to shut everything down – even the TV – and go into your quiet brain space. You could take a walk, read, do some chores, play a game (everyone should have a deck of REAL cards and play a game of solitaire once in a while) and just let your brain breathe.

    The thing I love most about everything you said is that they are all very doable. You don’t need to have any special equipment, or be in any special place. You can just stop and do one of these simple, effective things – and pick the ones that work best.

    Thanks for sharing!
    Carol Lynn recently posted..Sabotaging Success Part 3: How Jumping Into Business Without Knowing Where You’re Headed Is A Recipe For Failure (And What To Do About It)My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 5, 2012 at 1:25 am #

      Thanks Carol Lyn, I’m glad this came at the appropriate time for you. We all feel that overwhelm feeling but only we can stop it. I like to prevent it before it gets to me.
      Although I’m pretty good at following my DMO (Daily Motion Operation) whereby I put slots in for the gym, dinner, etc. Sometimes it just doesn’t happen.
      I have learned and applied these methods in a Mindset Group I am in Every Wednesday. I take an hour to go to this group each week and practice a new skill. It isn’t easy, but I have a few under my belt that work for me.

      It also comes in handy when an emergency arises: A sick parent for instance. Life stops…we start feeling anxious because that phone is buzzing and we know we have to answer it. We are late for a blog post. You know the deal.

      So I unplug EVERYTHING – focus on the problem and use one of these techniques to handle the emotion. Works like a charm!

      I enjoyed your comment,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What To Do When You Experience “Overwhelm”?My Profile

  23. Nicky May 4, 2012 at 12:50 pm #

    Love this post Donna – I think everyone suffers from this at some point in their online marketing “career” lol.

    I like your tip about distraction – I used to use this very successfully with the children when they were younger, but it takes a little more than a shiny toy, or a yummy bar of chocolate with me! I usually take a walk or run and close the laptop and put on my music. I have a feeling there will be lots more of my distractions from now on as we pick up our new puppy this weekend!!
    Nicky
    Nicky recently posted..Article Marketing Strategy Post Google PenguinMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 5, 2012 at 1:09 am #

      Oh a new puppy Nicky!!! Yes that’s enough to distract you. They demand so much attention, that looks like your life is going to be “balanced” from overwhelm!
      Dogs are great. I have 3 and they do remind me to take a break – even when they don’t need to go out, my hound climbs behind me and gives me a hug. That’s enough to stop what I’m doing and just be in the state of unconditional love.
      Good luck with the puppy and hope to see him/her on Facebook!
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What To Do When You Experience “Overwhelm”?My Profile

  24. Dr. Bob Clarke May 4, 2012 at 11:14 am #

    Hey Donna, these are great ideas. Like everyone else, I fall victim to overwhelm on occasion and I’ve used many of the techniques you’ve discussed to help get me through.

    For me, taking action and sticking to my plan helps me the most. I’m always sure to have a carefully crafted business and marketing plan printed out and closeby to remind me what I should be doing. I become tunnel visioned. But like anyone else, the newest shiny objects can grab my attention and take me off track.

    When this happens, I grab my plan and read it again. If this doesn’t work, I call my coach. Usually this does the trick.

    Thanks for sharing your experiences with overwhelm.
    Dr. Bob Clarke recently posted..Our Free Coaching and Home Business Training OfferMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 4, 2012 at 10:34 pm #

      Hey Bob, I am totally organized myself, but with other factors that encompass life, I do fall victim to overwhelm. I usually get a rush of low energy and just have to tune off. Then, I get backed up (grrr frustration and anxiety).
      I take one of each of the above and schedule it in my day to PREVENT burnout and it is working for me..so far!
      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What To Do When You Experience “Overwhelm”?My Profile

  25. Damayanthi May 3, 2012 at 10:29 pm #

    What a great post Donna. You are so right, the main thing is to take one skill, master it. How many times have we heard this. But it is easy to get distracted and overwhelmed in this online world.

    Thanks for sharing these simple techniques,

    Damayanthi
    Damayanthi recently posted..Invado International ReviewMy Profile

  26. Becky May 3, 2012 at 8:55 pm #

    Hi Donna, this is a fantastic post. You include some great ideas which will be extremely useful for someone suffering from the dreaded overwhelm. The sense of touch is an interesting one interesting too.

    I was recently working too hard, neglecting my downtime and the overwhelm snuck up on me. I had to work HARD to get back on top. This stuff is ongoing and practicing the above regularly will also help you avoid overwhelm!

    Thanks for these great tips 🙂
    Becky recently posted..It’s All Down To Luck…My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 4, 2012 at 10:29 pm #

      Hi Becky,
      I’ve been there too, neglecting my downtime. Overwhelm does sneak up to us espcially in this business, so that’s why I wanted to post a quick reminder for people to do what they already know, or imply these techniques.
      Thanks
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What To Do When You Experience “Overwhelm”?My Profile

  27. Michael May 3, 2012 at 5:48 pm #

    Simple, and profound, just like the best truths always are. Take a break, do something different, unplug. I hear these things almost every day in some way. But when I read them here in this post, they actually make sense. 🙂

    Maybe its the accumulation of iterations, maybe the specific way you phrase them, but whatever it is; today I am paying attention. Thank you.
    Michael recently posted..An Endless JourneyMy Profile

  28. Robin Lynn Brooks May 3, 2012 at 12:05 am #

    I know to do this Ha! But am much better at suggesting it to others I think 🙂

    Balance or Burnout I do need the occasional reminder, kinda like… right now. It’s true though when I take my activity far enough out of one box and go completely into a totally unrelated activity it’s in effect like the perfect power-nap. Refreshes my soul.

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 4, 2012 at 9:52 pm #

      I wish I could take a power nap Robin! Whenever I try, my nap lasts for hours and I’m up all night. It takes about 3 days to recover lol!
      I think we all need to be reminded of Balancing and not burning out because so many people often do, especially in this market.
      Thank you for your comment. Maybe one day I will learn how to power nap ha ha ha
      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What To Do When You Experience “Overwhelm”?My Profile

  29. Sylviane Nuccio May 3, 2012 at 2:49 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Those are really good tips to clam down and relax when we feel overwhelmed. To me going for a walk or a little jogging or sometimes playing tennis or swimming really bring me back together.

    I am glad that you mention “touch”, because touch has a lot to do with how you feel as well. It’s interesting that your photo shows a hand touching a cat, because that does it for me. All I have to do is pet and hug my kitty and all tension is gone. Of course, it won’t work for those who don’t like animals, but who are those people anyway 🙂 Just kidding 🙂

    Thanks for this precious list, Donna.
    Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..Why Willpower Is Not Enough To Change Your LifeMy Profile

  30. Oliver Tausend May 2, 2012 at 7:21 am #

    Hi Donna,

    what a wonderful compilation of powerful yet simple techniques. Especially shutting down the computer symbolizes a break. I even used to not shut down the computer at night…so it worked all day and all night. I don’t know if it represents my brain, but I feel a whole lighter after shutting it down every night.

    Thanks for sharing your insights.

    Take care

    Oliver

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 4, 2012 at 9:40 pm #

      Sure thing Oliver, once that computer is shut down, it does mark the “end” of cyberspace! I do feel lighter when I shut it off. It makes it clear in my mind that I don’t have to have that “post-it” in my head to go and peek at it.
      Thanks for visiting,
      Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..What To Do When You Experience “Overwhelm”?My Profile

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