Overwhelmed means that you are experiencing intense emotions you don’t have the capacity to fully manage or process. Most people are overwhelmed by negative emotions, like anxiety, fear, anger or shame. These feelings leave little room to figure out what is the next best step. When we are overwhelmed, performing every-day tasks is difficult - and it compromises our ability to act rationally, remember things, solve problems or think.
The “overwhelm” has physical, cognitive, and behavioral effects. Our bodies can feel shaky, or have those anxious sensations such as a racing heart or an upset stomach or that antsy skin-crawling sensation. Cognitively, we can be slower to process information and even become confused and our judgment can be affected. Our behaviors can also be impacted - we may eat more or less, we may treat others poorly, we may procrastinate or isolate ourselves. In short - just feel and act in a way far from our best selves.
Overwhelm is a significant issue for women at work and about a third of us seek professional help to deal with overwhelming stress.
Some strategies for dealing with overwhelm are:
Sometimes calling a friend can help manage and strategize through overwhelm. Kirsten has “borrowed a brain” from a friend when hers was not working. Sometimes completely mixin’ it up can also help - like heading out the door for a walk in the fresh air - or even just in different surroundings. We can change overwhelm into something different - or at least alleviate its intensity - a critical piece to ease, meaning and joy at work.
Women Continuing To Face Alarmingly High Levels Of Burnout, Stress In The “New Normal” Of Work
Stress in America 2022: Concerned for the future, beset by inflation
Good News--Positive News for Women at Work
The Authentic Leader: Embracing Your Executive Presence as a Woman
Micro Stress; It Might Be More Major Than You Think
Feeling Embarrassed? Make It Work For You!
Silence Isn't Always Golden: Why Women Don't Speak Up at Work
Do Your Work With Love: It Might Just Love You Back
Social Capital: Creating a Culture of Connection at Work
Discovering the Power of Happierness: Unlocking Three Elements of a Fulfilling Life
New Year, New Beginnings: Reflections and Plans for 2024
Unmasking the Workplace: The Hidden Truths We Keep
shEOs in the Boardroom: Cracking the Leadership Code and Unveiling the Secrets to Success
The AI Advantage: Unlocking Opportunities for Women in the Workforce
Romance, Love and Your Work Spouse
BONUS EPISODE: Every Vote Counts
Bitch or Best Friend? Female Rivalry at Work.
Meaningful Work: It Can Turn The Mundane Into The Magical
Play! Yes, You Can (and Should) Be Amused at Work!
The Four Hurdles Women Face at Work
Managing Work, Life and Saying ”No”
Rest Is So Much More Than Sleep
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Commercial Edge: Unleash the Power of People
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Reaching your Goals
Insights@work
Per My Last Email
The Wall Street Skinny
The Ken Coleman Show