Overcoming Overwhelm
Cutting through the overwhelm can be, well, overwhelming. And trying to find any kind of time to do so can seem elusive, almost laughable. The thoughts, the plans, the to-do lists crowding our heads. Our families need us. Work needs us. Our bodies and minds are yearning for five minutes of selfcare. Then comes the worry and all the things we “should” be doing right now. When we collapse in our beds at night, our brains are still working - reviewing the day, making new lists, new plans.
When I have reached my limit, I binge watch anything mindless. That’s pretty much the signal that I’m done and can’t do anything else. There is nothing wrong with this, it just doesn’t solve the problem and I will repeat the cycle again.
Here’s the thing - we can find rest amidst the overwhelm. We can quiet the mind, hand it over, and lighten the load. Cut through the noise of the world. Not feel burnt-out but instead rested, refreshed, and restored.
If you have ever searched the Bible for verses with regards to being overwhelmed you almost always come to Matthew 11, verses 28 through 30.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Some days we recognize this gift and we pour our hearts out to the Lord. Others, it comes with that “yeah right” nudge in the back of our minds - “if only it were that simple” or “I’m pretty much the only one that can fix this.”
But therein lies the problem. The “I.” “I” am the only one that can do this. We continue to perform, play all the parts, and do all the things. We forget in the moment that we do have someone there alongside us who wants to lighten our load. Someone who wants to help us cut through the overwhelm.
So while the He can’t hit send on that email for us, He can provide us clarity and calm before we respond.
The next time you feel overwhelm creeping in, take a moment - put the phone down, close the laptop or walk away from the computer; find a spot of sunshine inside or step outside; notice the sounds around you; the warmth of the sun or a cool breeze on your skin; close your eyes or look out a window; and draw yourself into the present moment.
Take a deep breath and a slow exhale (or two).
Sort through your thoughts and pour your heart out to the Lord. Where can He provide you with strength? With clarity? Where do you need to walk away from an issue or delegate it? Rant if you must and let it all out.
Take His yoke instead, for you will find rest for your soul.
Megan Huff started practicing yoga over 10 years ago as a means to cope with stress. Having experienced through her own personal journey how beneficial yoga and mindfulness were on her overall wellbeing and spiritual life, she began sharing these tools with others as a teacher, and now as a health and wellness coach. Megan enjoys guiding clients and yogis of all ages and watching them grow and flourish. She is a RYT-200, certified in children’s, prenatal, trauma informed, and aerial yoga, a mindbodygreen Health and Wellness Coach, and founder of breathe.flow.grow yoga and wellness. She is sought after for retreats, workshops, and articles with regards to the importance of mindfulness and movement for stress relief and loves when she is able to incorporate her faith into her work.