Tips for Overwhelm
How do you handle “overwhelm”?
Overwhelm is the sensation of your nervous system reaching its allostatic load. Meaning: you’ve taken in as much stimuli as you can possibly handle and your system is about to combust. Or shut down.
A core skill of Mindfulness is the ability to feel an emotion without being overwhelmed by it, so learning to approach Overwhelm mindfully can be really helpful.
Next time you’re 3 seconds away from spontaneous combustion…
✨ Try these Three Yoga Therapeutics Tips for Overwhelm✨
Drink cold water. When your physiological needs aren’t met (i.e. you’re hungry, tired or thirsty), your nervous system is more prone to dip into sympathetic responses (fight, flight or freeze). Nourishing with a glass of cool water is an instant signal to your body that you’re taking care of it and you have the resources you need to meet the demands of the moment.
Horizon Gaze. Repeatedly, slowly tracking your gaze along horizontal lines (like to horizon) sends calming signals to your limbic system (the reactive, emotional part of your brain) and helps center you in your body. Try 30-45 seconds while breathing mindfully.
Count your Breath. Counting your breath cycles is a simple and profound exercise that is a reminder to focus on the present moment when your mind is spiraling into the future. The Inhale is 1, the exhale is 2, the inhale is 3 and so on. When you lose count (you totally will, I promise) just begin again at 1.
Love these tips?
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