Tag Archive for overwhelmed

Overwhelm And A Hectic Life: 2 Key Sources Of Stress

June 27, 2022 John Uncategorized No comments

It’s bad enough that life today can be loaded with stress. But stress often comes with an accomplice- overwhelm. 

Push back against these intruders with this GenuLines look at how they work.  

Overwhelm And A Hectic Life: 2 Key Sources Of Stress

Man feels stressWe all have our share of stresses in life, but some of them are within our ability to change. Overwhelm and living a hectic life are two of the biggest stressors.
 
Yet there’s a lot you can do about it!
 
 
 
We’re going to look at how these two things are skyrocketing your stress level and what you can do about it.
 
The Effects
Living a hectic life that causes overwhelm forces you to stay in a constant state of stress. You keep going and going with little to no break.
 
This isn’t good for the human body.
 
You need to take a break, allowing you to calm your mind and body, starting anew with fresh energy. Keeping yourself in a constant state of busyness is very bad for your stress level.
 
Of course, that, in turn, is bad for your health.
 
If your life seems too hectic, it’s time you do something about it. You don’t have to do everything yourself.
 
Start delegating. This will help you to reduce your stress and feel less overwhelmed.
 
More To-Do’s
There are some hectic and overwhelming things that are out of your control. But there are a few things you can do to help calm things down and reduce your stress.
 
First, get your priorities in order. Make a list of everything you have to do in descending order of importance.
 
When you’re done, see what you can cut out or delegate to someone else.
 
Organize
Next, get better organized. Keep a well-detailed calendar.
 
Divide your day into what you have to do and the time you’ve allotted in which to get it done.
 
This will help you to feel less overwhelmed.
 
Finally, ask for help. This is where your loved ones can help you.
 
Start delegating tasks and try to make your life less hectic.
 
Delegating Is a Difference Maker
It can be hard to let certain things go, but sometimes, when it comes to your health, you have to.
 
Delegating is a great way to turn off your feelings of overwhelm.
 
Delegating means allowing others to do some of the work for you so you have time to do other important things. To help with your stress, you can delegate chores to others in your household.
 
Have someone else drive your kids to their extracurriculars. You may even be able to let someone else help with some of the responsibilities in your life.
 
Why You Should Bother
It’s no secret-stress kills. Stress can cause heart attacks, strokes, and several other life-threatening conditions.
 
Minimizing your stress can help you think clearer, sleep better, and be healthier. It can help lessen your anxiety, as well.
 
So why, given an easy way to lessen your stress, would you not try it? It could mean a life and death difference for you.
 
We all deal with stress daily, but that stress builds up and could cause some serious health problems. Being overwhelmed and living a hectic life are two of the biggest stresses in life.
 
But it’s good to know that with practice and some patience you can manage them.
 
JohnK 6-27-2022
 
Stick figure hears about stressOverheard: “Times of stress are also times that are signals for growth, and if we use adversity properly, we can grow through adversity.”
                            ~Abraham Twerski
 
 
 
disclaimer for stress
 

Stop Worrying About What People Think

November 22, 2021 John Uncategorized No comments

Worrying isn’t good for much. Especially when you worry about what people think.

GenuLines wants to help you keep others’ opinions from getting to you. 

 

Stop Worrying About What People Think

Do you find yourself always doubting your decisions? Are you fretting over other people’s reactions to your actions or opinions?
 
worrying guy in hoodieIn this post, we’ll share some tips and tricks to help you stop worrying about what people think of you. Learn how to use constructive criticism to your advantage.
 
Then filter out any negative judgment.
 
 
 
This will leave you less anxious and less overwhelmed. As a result, you can stay more focused on yourself and the best ways to achieve your goals.
 
Let’s get started.
 
Are People’s Opinions Holding You Back?
Worrying about what others think and feel about you is a normal part of our DNA. We’re programmed to seek others’ approval.
 
Studies show there’s a reward center that’s activated when we’re given a compliment.
 
Even if you sense people’s recognition of your hard work, your brains fire up those same reward centers.
 
So acceptance brings a good feeling. Yet we won’t find acceptance from everyone every time.
 
Problems start when we start pivoting our lifestyles to fit people’s expectations. We give others power over our lives and how we should live it.
 
Thus, we lose out on experiencing genuine living.
 
Next
After that, things go downhill and start spiraling out of control. Being stuck in that mind frame can be destructive to you and those around you.
 
Going down this unproductive path, you’ll be leaving a path of destruction in your wake. It will affect your job, your relationships, and your self-esteem.
 
How Can I Stop Worrying About What People Think?
Do some serious soul searching. Do you feel that your reality has shifted? Have you started to believe in other people’s version of who you are as opposed to the real you?
 
Then, it’s time to step up and take some actionable steps. You owe it to yourself to share the real you with the world.
 
We rounded some simple, yet effective, ways to help you break this vicious cycle. Read on to learn more.
 
Focus on What’s Important
Has someone said something unkind about you? Instead of letting it fester, don’t let it go to your head.
 
Chances are, that person won’t recall what they said in about ten minutes. Plus, what they say reflects who they are as a person.
 
If you think about it, it actually has very little to do with you.
 
In other words, their perceptions of you come from them. And you’re not responsible for how they feel or what they think, neither can you change any of it.
 
So, why waste your time fretting over something you have no control over?
 
Instead, channel that energy into something productive. You can learn a new skill, take up a class, or pick up an old hobby.
 
Whatever it is, make sure it’s something you enjoy.
 

Some things more worthy of your time

Spend quality time with friends and family

 
Smile at the barista serving your coffee or hold the door for someone
 
Surround yourself with people who encourage and support you
 
Volunteer at a local shelter or food bank
 
Take a walk through the park
 
Have dinner at that restaurant you’ve been dying to try
 
Highlight Your Accomplishments
We’ve all been through difficult times in our lives; some more than others. At the same time, we’ve all accomplished one thing or another.
 
It doesn’t have to be anything grandiose or elaborate. But it does have to mean something to you.
 
Like filing your taxes on time or making home-cooked meals for an entire week. Be proud of yourself and all the hard work you put in.
 
You can even write down these accomplishments and hang them up on your fridge or vanity mirror. Then every time you catch a glimpse of one of your achievements, say to yourself, “I did that!”
 
Say it over and over until your subconscious takes it in.
 
Uplifting Talk
Another way to boost your confidence is to practice saying encouraging statements. These will help build up your self-esteem and improve the way you view yourself.
 
Here are a few statements to get you inspired:
 
My self-confidence is on the rise.
 
I’m worthy of all good things.
 
I can’t control what happens, but I can control my reaction to them.
 
My ideas are great.
 
I’m blessed and appreciative of everyone and everything in my life.
 
Train Yourself to See the Positive
Our brains see the negative. They’re wired that way.
 
We complain, we blame others, and we dwell. This has to stop!
 
You can train your thoughts to be more positive. And you can do it in a healthy, productive way.
 
As a result, you become less anxious and more resilient.
 

Take an honest look at your weaknesses or flaws

We all have them.
 
Some are better at acknowledging and improving them than others. Why can’t that be you?
 
Write down a list of five things that bother you about yourself. Then, set some realistic goals to change them and reward yourself each time you reach one of your set goals.
 
Make sure you start small and work at your own pace. The point is to feel good about yourself, not overwhelm or burden you.
 
That kind of defeats the purpose.
 
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques are becoming popular because people are realizing the importance of self-care. These techniques aim at reducing stress levels and improving your health.
 
They also teach you the value of savoring the present.
 
When you focus on your today, you stop worrying about what happened in the past or what might happen in the future. These techniques can also help you stop worrying about what people think about you.
 
The great thing about them is that you can do them anywhere. Whenever you start to worry, remind yourself that you could be overreacting.
 
It’s likely that your colleagues aren’t judging you in the harsh way you think they are.
 
Take a few deep breaths and focus on anything around you: your coffee mug, a cloud, and your nails. Anything that can steer your thoughts to the present moment will do the trick!
 
Then, lo and behold, you’ll notice that your pulse is slowing down and so is your heart rate. Your anxiety will start to recede and you’ll realize you don’t care about what people think as much anymore.
 
JohnK 11-22-2021
 
Stick figure hears about worryingOverheard: “If only the people who worry about their liabilities would think about the riches they do possess, they would stop worrying.”
                                        ~Dale Carnegie
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for worrying

Overwhelm And Your Hectic, Stressful Life

October 26, 2020 John Uncategorized No comments
Overwhelm and living a hectic life are two of the most common stresses. But it just so happens that you can control them!!
 
GenuLines looks at how these two things skyrocket your stress level and what you can do about it.

Overwhelm And Your Hectic, Stressful Life

A hectic life forces you to stay in a constant state of stress. You go and go with little to no break.
 
This is not good for the human body.
 
Time out
man showing overwhelmYou need to take a break, allowing you to calm your mind and body, starting anew with fresh energy. Keeping yourself in a constant state of busyness is horrendous for your stress level.
 
This, in turn, is bad for your health.
 
If your life seems too hectic you can start delegating. This will help you to reduce your stress and feel less overwhelmed.
 
 
 
What to do about it
There are some hectic and overwhelming things that are out of your control. Yet there are things you can do to help calm things down and reduce your stress.
 
First, get your priorities in order. Make a list of everything you have to do in descending order of importance.
 
When you’re done, see what you can cut out or delegate to someone else.
 
Get better organized
Organization can help reduce your stress. Keep a well-detailed calendar.
 
Divide your day into what you have to do and the time you’ve allotted in which to get it done. This will help you to feel less overwhelmed.
 
Finally, ask for help. It might surprise you to know how much your loved ones want to help you.
 
So let them. Start delegating tasks and try to make your life less hectic.
 
Delegating can help make all the difference
It can be hard to let certain things go, but sometimes, when it comes to your health, you have to. Delegating can help you keep a handle on the hectic parts of your life.
 
It can help you to reduce stress and prevent you from feeling so overwhelmed.
 
Delegating means allowing others to do some of the work for you so you have time to do other important things. You can delegate chores to others in your household.
 
You can have someone else drive your kids to their extracurriculars. These can take some weight off your shoulders.
 
Why you should bother
You need to know that stress kills. It can cause heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening conditions.
 
Minimizing your stress can help you think clearer, sleep better, and be healthier. It can help lessen your anxiety, as well.
 
So why, given an easy way to lessen your stress, would you not try it? It could mean a life and death difference for you.
 
Final Thoughts
We all deal with stress daily. But that stress builds up and could cause some serious health problems.
 
Being overwhelmed and living a hectic life are two of the biggest stresses in a lot of people’s lives. It’s good to know that with some practice you can manage them.
 
JohnK 10-26-2020
 
Stick figure hears about overwhelmOverheard: “If I cannot overwhelm with my quality, I will overwhelm with my quantity”
                                 ~Emile Zola
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for overwhelm

Support Groups: Can They Make a Difference?

August 13, 2019 John Uncategorized No comments
Is a support group right for you? GenuLines looks at some of the factors to consider if you’re leaning in that direction. 
 
call to action for support groups
 

Support Groups: Can They Make a Difference?

When you’re dealing with an adverse situation, you may feel like you’re all alone. It seems the bigger the problems, the more alone you feel.
 
help from support groupsBut others have dealt with the same or similar situation themselves. And, they can help you get through it and give you any needed support.
 
It’s best to face this head-on. Don’t try to put off dealing with it, thinking that it will get better by itself.
 
 
Some situations will get better by letting it go, but most won’t.
 
You should confront the challenge so that it doesn’t build up. You can also make a situation worse than it already is by not taking appropriate actions.
 
Talk to family members and friends. You may be surprised by their understanding.
 
And you’ll find some of them may have been in the same situation.
 
room for support groupsIf this falls short, a support group could offer help. The group members may want to meet with you in person to find out more about your circumstances. and how they can help.
 
Again, don’t put this off because your emotions will build.
 
 
Make an appointment as soon as possible. When you find a group that is related to your situation, go to meetings regularly.
 
It can be either the process or the meetings that help you overcome adversity. Or both.
 
The groups you find have gone through the process (and may still be going through it). If you try to rush the process, you may not get everything you need from the group.
 
Many groups offer their help free of charge. However, you should consider pitching in some money as there are costs involved with running these groups.
 
The groups may ask you to contribute some money to help out. Often, this is voluntary.
 
But, if the group is worthwhile, you want it to continue as a going concern. They need money for that to happen.
 
You get out of the group what you put into it, just like anything in life. If you go there and don’t get involved, you shouldn’t expect to get much help from the group.
 
Become involved and ask a lot of questions.
 
JK 8-13-2019
chiforyourself.com home
 
stick man hearing of support groupsOverheard: “It is a kingly act to assist the fallen”                                       ~Ovid 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer concerning support groups

Today on CHI FOR YOURSELF: Sam Bennett- “Start Right Where You Are”

December 22, 2016 John Uncategorized No comments

picture of john kobikSam Bennett makes her second visit to CHI FOR YOURSELF today. Sam is the author of START RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE: How Little Changes Can Make a Big Difference for Overwhelmed Procrastinators, Frustrated Overachievers, and Recovering Perfectionists.

If you see yourself in any of those categories you’ll want to be with us for Sam Bennett. Today at 1 pm Pacific, 4 pm Eastern time at chiforyourself.com.

Picture of Sam Bennett

Sam Bennett

JohnK 12-22-2016

chiforyourself.com

 

CHI FOR YOURSELF Wants to Help You Manifest Your Dreams in 2017!

December 19, 2016 John Uncategorized No comments

picture of john kobikIt’s a time of the year when people gather. And one of their big talking points is resolutions for the coming year. During the next couple of weeks, CHI FOR YOURSELF will get you in a high energy mindset for making changes in your life.

You’ll be getting GenuLines posts to help strengthen your intentions. And, our first scheduled CHI FOR YOURSELF guest in 2017 is someone whose expertise is organizing her clients’ lives- and that includes making and keeping those resolutions! Details in a future post…

Remember, this week our CHI FOR YOURSELF scheduled guest is Sam Bennett, author of START RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE: How Little Changes Can Make a Big Difference for Overwhelmed Procrastinators, Frustrated Overachievers, and Recovering Perfectionists,

Sam Bennett picture

Sam Bennett

We get underway on Thursday, Dec. 22nd at 1 pm Pacific, 4 pm Eastern time at chiforyourself.com

dividing line

Article
thumbs up woman

 

Making Your Dreams Come True

Everyone, at some point in his or her life, has dreamed of being somebody special, somebody big. Who hasn’t fantasized about being the one who hits the game-winning homer? Who hasn’t dreamed of being the homecoming queen? And how many times have we dreamed of being rich, or successful, or happy with our relationships?

Often, we dream big dreams and have great aspirations. Unfortunately, our dreams remain just that – dreams. And our aspirations easily collect dust in our attic.

This is a sad turn of events in our lives. Instead of experiencing exciting adventures in self- actualization, we get caught up in the humdrum of living from day-to-day just barely existing.

But you know what? Life could be so much better if only we learned to aim higher.

The most common problem involved in setting goals are the words ‘can’t’ and ‘impossible’. Most people get hung up thinking ‘I can’t do this,’ or ‘It’s not possible.’

However, if everyone thought that, there would be no inventions, no innovations, and no breakthroughs in human accomplishment.

Remember that scientists were baffled when they took a look at the humble bumblebee. Theoretically, they said, it was impossible for the bumblebee to fly. However, the bumblebee doesn’t know that. So fly it does.

On the other hand, some people suffer from dreaming totally possible dreams and not acting on them. The result? Broken dreams, and tattered aspirations.

If you limit yourself with self-doubt and negative assumptions, you will never be able to break past what you deem impossible. If you reach too far out into the sky without working towards your goal, you will find yourself clinging on to the impossible dream while ignoring what is possible.

Try this exercise. Take a piece of paper and write down some goals in your life. Under one header, list down things ‘you know you can do’. Under another header, write the things ‘you might be able to do.’ And under one more, list the things that are ‘impossible for you to do.’

Now look at all the headers and strive every day to accomplish the goals that are under things ‘you know you can do’. Check them when you are able to accomplish them. As you slowly are able to check all of your goals under that heading, try accomplishing the goals under the next header – the one that reads ‘you might be able to do.’

As of the items you wrote under things you could do are accomplished, you can move the goals that are labeled ‘impossible for you to do’ to the list of things ‘you might be able to do.’

As you work through this process, you will find out that the goals you thought you could not do become easier to accomplish. And the ‘impossible’ begins to seem possible after all.

You see, the technique here is not to limit your imagination. It is to aim high and start working towards that goal little by little. However, it also is unwise to set a goal that is truly unrealistic. Those who just dream towards a goal without working hard end up disappointed and disillusioned.

On the other hand, if you told someone a hundred years ago that it was possible for man to be on the moon, they would laugh at you. If you had told them that you could send mail from here to the other side of the world in a few seconds, they would say you were out of your mind. But, through sheer desire and perseverance, these ‘impossible’ dreams are now realities.

Thomas Edison once said that genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Nothing could be truer. Accomplishing our dreams often takes work and discipline. But take note that the 1% has to be a think-big dream, and not some easily accomplished one.

Ask any gym rat and he or she will tell you that there can be no gains unless you are put out of your comfort zone. Remember the saying, “No pain, no gain”?

So dream on, friend! Don’t get caught up in your perceived limitations. Think big and work hard to attain those dreams. As you step up the ladder of progress, you will find that the ‘impossible’ has just become a little bit more possible.

Live your dreams!

 

JohnK 12-19-2016

chiforyourself.com home

 

Image for overheard Overheard:

“Start where you are. Use what you have.  Do what you can.”

             ~Arthur Ashe