What does it mean to feel overwhelmed? Well one of the explanations means to load, heap, treat, or address with overpowering or excessive amounts of anything! We have all been there! As a child, one may cry, throw toys, or just refuse to do anything more. In adults, the symptoms of being overwhelmed take on a different look.
Feeling overwhelmed comes about when one is thrown a curve ball and doesn’t know how to react. That can happen when an illness arises, when a workload keeps adding on tasks, or when someone in your family doesn’t live up to expectations. The symptoms of feeling fatigue, aggravation or being rushed begin show up. It is devastating when too many expectations are thrown our way.
When one feels overwhelmed it is because of putting too much on the agenda. For me, I enjoy being involved and trying new things, but that can be dangerous. It is easy to go into an overloaded calendar. Mental fog begins to crop up and the only relief is to step back and reassess the priorities. It means not adding anything more into the calendar. It also works to just stop and relax with a friend. 
Taking the path of least resistance for even a few hours helps. A short walk, a time to just breathe, and pray in seclusion helps clear the mind. Sit and make a list and then try to take care of the most relevant items on the list. It helps greatly to be among supportive people, as well.
The holidays can be overwhelming! So I have already started thinking of ways to shore up the stamina I need and to really enjoy each minute this year. Here are a few things to consider:
- Decorating less than in the past. That eliminates some of the setting up and taking down of decorations.
- Purchasing the main gifts early in the next few weeks as the weather permits.
- Making simple, but delicious dinners. Ordering fruits and nuts in advance of the rush.
- Calling a few close friends in between Thanksgiving & Christmas in lieu of cards.
- Getting out notes for the Christmas cards for friends far away.
If you have any great ideas, please share them with me and I will post them. Meantime, have a great day. Happy Thanksgiving and remember to “Delight in Living”!