When Feeling Overwhelmed
Hello Darlings, As I sat crying in my car after inspecting the damage caused by my lack of attention, I finally came to realize that I am overwhelmed. Within a span of one week I managed to spill water on my laptop, have my cell ran over by a taxi and crush the front wing of my car. For someone who's typically careful, the unfolding of events was troubling. While I continued to work at my regular pace, after the accident I realized that I was not paying attention to details. It was not intentional but rather seemed that my brain was on auto pilot, just cruising through the tasks without any mental alertness.
Being overwhelmed is a feeling we choose to ignore and instead focus on getting the tasks done. We just work through it! A strategy that is necessary at certain times, but has disastrous effect when overdone. As hard as it is for me to embrace the idea, it is important to slow down when there's an opportunity. Yes, I know your answer. Who's got that kind of time? I promise that time can and will be found, so it is a matter of forcing yourself to slow down. While we live busy lives and handle pressure to the best of our abilities, I find that slowing down can be a frustrating challenge. Ironic isn't it?!
I AM WEARING:H&M Sweater // T by Alexander Wang Pants // Converse Chuck Taylor Slim Sneakers // Valentino Sunglasses
My typical day consists of trying to fit as much into it as possible, I always figure that I can sleep and rest later. Work late, stay up late and repeat — that's been my answer to work/life balance. It's a vicious cycle and one that does catch up eventually. Exhaustion doesn't help when feeling overwhelmed and under pressure. So while I was tired and on my fifth cup of coffee, trying to resolve a work dilemma and also figuring out a place for a late dinner — an accident did happen and people could have been hurt.
Having to accept that I am no wonder woman was a complete blow to my confidence. It is harsh reality to accept that in fact sleep and rest are necessary regardless of how much you refuse to believe it. (Yes! I am joking.) Forced to slow down, I've decided to make the effort to time find. After all, I was lucky that the mistakes were small but was not willing to take risks and cause more harm. The fear was my changing point where I've decided to not only find free time but also enjoy it without feeling guilty. Finding the time for a longer walk with my beloved bulldog. Finding the extra half an hour to read a book before sleep or even catching up on re-runs of Sex and The City. Time can be found!
The small adjustments to a typical routine create the greatest change. Slowing down in those free moments and appreciating it, is nothing to feel guilty about. Putting your well being ahead of work is necessary at times. This decision and change is a work in progress that takes effort but I've noticed that I take greater joy in my work when I'm relaxed. Finding life/work balance means that we need to be well physically and mentally. Being happy in life has direct effect on the quality of your work. So when feeling overwhelmed in life or work, sometimes the best solution is to step back and breathe.
With Love...
Marta