Feeling chased? Not anymore after these tips
Your body is a beautiful machine. Go beyond your own limits a few times and at some point, you'll recognize them. For me, it's always very clear when I've pushed too hard. I let my inbox go to waste (hi four hundred emails), I'm short with the people close to me (sorry, but it really happens automatically), and the idea of making an Instagram post feels like a huge task, meine gute.
I know the feeling of being rushed like no one else. The good thing is: you have it in your own hands. You created the situation yourself, so you can change it again. How?
Don't keep it to yourself
Call your best friend for a huge venting session. That's what she's there for. Often, just naming your rushed feeling is enough to relieve the pressure from your body. Don't broadcast it to everyone, but choose your people. If you don't feel like sharing it with others: write down what you feel. Writing is the best free therapy that exists.
Schedule some me-time like crazy
And actually do it. At least two days. Start with an evening where everyone gets the boot and lie on the couch watching that series everyone is talking about but for which you never have ‘the time’. And really see that appointment with yourself as a hard commitment. Take a bath, go away for a night by yourself, and see your phone as a fling you want to miss; after that, your time together will be extra fun.
Sell no
Will that uncle really miss you at that 1.5-meter garden party? Really? Or do you just think you can't say no because the rest of the family is going? Sure, sometimes you do something for someone else, but if the ‘what the heck am I doing here’ feeling happens to you often, you're not doing something right. Simply weigh the pros and cons against each other. What do you get out of it? Does it cost a lot of energy? Does the other person ever give you this energy back? Does this person need an explanation? Would I secretly enjoy saying no right now? By taking a moment to think, you often can't avoid a truly gnawing no.
Stay active
Exercise helps best in reducing stress complaints. Don't go too hard (then your body produces stress hormones again), but opt for a walk. Even if you don't feel like it at the moment. Trust me, you'll feel better afterwards.
Think about a possible solution
Once you have an overview of the factors influencing your rushed feeling, you can also work towards solutions. And yes, then it's a very simple equation to avoid stressful situations that cost you a lot of energy. This can also mean that you need to stop certain activities that give you too much stress. Look into nice breathing exercises, delegate tasks you don't have energy for, and take it easy with the caffeine. Oh, and going to bed on time is key.
Breathe in, breathe out.
You’ve got this.
