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Does overwhelm contribute to anxiety?
Are You Feeling Overwhelmed, Anxious, or Both?
Have you ever felt like the weight of the world is pressing down on you, leaving you feeling overwhelmed? And before you know it, that overwhelm spirals into anxiety? It’s a cycle that so many of us face, often without realising how one feeds into the other.
Let’s start with some quick definitions:
– Overwhelm: “to feel sudden strong emotion.”
– Anxiety: “an uncomfortable feeling of nervousness or worry about something that is happening or might happen in the future.”
When I reflect on these definitions, it’s clear to me that overwhelm often precedes anxiety. Think about it: does that resonate with you?
For me, this connection became painfully obvious during one of the hardest chapters of my life. The past three years turned my world upside down. At times, I felt like I’d been thrown face-first into the dirt, with no way to pull myself out. Overwhelm consumed me, and anxiety quickly followed, wrapping me in its relentless grip.
My Personal Playlist of Overwhelm and Anxiety
I’ll be honest: my mind was like a broken record on repeat. I woke up each day with the same thoughts weighing me down:
– “There’s too much to do.”
– “I’m a burden to my friends.”
– “What’s my purpose? Why am I even here?”
These thoughts didn’t just occupy my mind; they controlled me. My gardens, which once brought me so much joy, became sources of dread. I couldn’t even look at them without thinking, “This is too much. How will I ever keep up with it all?” And that’s when anxiety would creep in, whispering fears about the future: “What if I can’t maintain this? What if it all falls apart?”
Does this sound familiar? Do you recognise your own automatic playlist of thoughts? If so, you’re likely experiencing overwhelm, even if you haven’t named it yet.
How I Broke Free
Here’s the good news: overwhelm doesn’t have to control you, and you can stop it before it spirals into anxiety. What worked for me was a simple, yet life-changing system involving… Post-It Notes
Yes, Post-Its. Let me explain:
1. Listen to Your PlaylistÂ
Write down every overwhelming thought in your head—one thought per Post-It. For example, *”Front garden needs work,” or “Organise the pantry.” Use coloured Post-Its and a black marker (trust me, this is key for clarity becuase you can read it from a distance, don’t use a pen becoz you can’t see it).
2. Take a Break
Once your thoughts are out of your head and onto paper, step away. Have a tea, coffee, or smoothie, and just breathe. This pause is crucial; it creates mental space to shift from overwhelm to action.
3. Identify One Action Per Thought
Go back to your Post-Its and write a simple action under each one. For example:
– Front Garden: “Remove dead growth.”
– Back Garden: “Fix the hose.”
4. Start Small or Let It Sit
Tackle one easy action or simply let the list sit until you’re ready. Even just seeing the tasks broken down can help lift the mental fog.
5. Celebrate Progress
As you complete tasks, remove the Post-Its and relish the sense of accomplishment. This simple act rewires your brain to focus on achievement instead of overwhelm.
How Solaz Scents Helped Me
Through this process, I discovered that scents could play a powerful role in shifting my energy. I used *Anxiety Gone* in the mornings to calm my racing thoughts and clear my head for the day ahead. Later, I’d switch to *New Beginnings*, which helped me feel motivated and inspired.
These scents became my anchors, helping me stay present and aligned as I worked through my Post-It system. When I couldn’t use candles or melts, I’d apply the oils to my wrists and breathe them in, grounding myself with every inhale.
The Outcome? Transformation
Today, I look at my gardens with pride and joy. My spaces feel alive, and I’ve regained my passion for nurturing them. Beyond that, I’ve applied this system to my business and personal life, creating routines and clarity I never thought possible. Overwhelm no longer runs my life, and anxiety rarely shows up anymore.
Your Turn
If overwhelm and anxiety are weighing you down, I encourage you to give this system a try. Start with the Post-Its, take a breath, and consider adding the *Anxiety Gone Pack* to support your journey.
Trust me, there’s a way out of the cycle, and you can do it.
With love,
AJe – Intuitive & Creator @ Solaz Scents