Anyone else out there suffer from “Whirlwind Syndrome”? That’s what I like to call it when I get caught up in so many activities and obligations that I feel like I’m swept up in one thing after the next and are unable to take a moment to breathe. It’s great to have so many things to do, but it’s important to remember to leave time to unwind. Here are some tips if you find yourself pulled into your own whirlwind:
* Try to make lists of what you need done. I live by lists. They help me organize my thoughts. I just can’t keep everything in my head. If I did that, I would simply forget. I need to write things down so I can check in and make sure everything is getting done. I find it very useful.
* Keep a calendar. Much like a list, keeping a calendar can help keep you organized so you don’t keep everything in your head. Whether it’s online or a hard copy hanging on the wall, it’s a good way to keep track of important dates and deadlines. Try to space out activities to give yourself recovery and relaxation time, even if you literally have to schedule it.
* Listen to soothing music. An easy one, but many times people listen to music according to their moods. If you’re angry, you’re more likely to listen to harsher music, sad, more likely to listen to depressing music, and when you are wired and trying to keep upbeat, you’re more likely to listen to faster music. But actually, if you find yourself in a whirlwind state and can’t stop, rather than keep yourself pumped with quick beats, try sitting down, closing your eyes and listening to a slow, soothing piece of music. It’s like a quick meditation. Just one song can really help you breath if only for a few minutes.
* Keep a diary. Sometimes you just have to vent your frustrations. For this, try keeping a personal diary or notebook on hand. Not necessarily an online one, though. While hooked into the internet, we continue to remain in a fast paced environment and may feel the need to response to every single comment. This won’t help slow you down. Keep a private, hard copy journal and whip it out to jot a few notes when needed. Vent to yourself. You’re your best confidant, afterall because your secret worries and stresses will be safe with you.
* Take a walk. Another obviously, one, but in this fast paced world it’s hard to get away from the mass media that surrounds us. Since the advent of electricity, people have gone from the average sleep time being 10 hours a night to 6 hours a night! Just think what the internet has done to us! With so much information and stimulation at our fingertips, it’s easy to be sucked in. Sometimes it’s best to step away from technology and harmonize with nature. Taking a walk (preferably in a park or forest where you can be around nature) helps you resynchronize to the Earths heartbeat. A slower and more natural pace.
* Indulge in a spa treatment. You don’t have to go overboard with getting a full hour Sweedish massage; something as simple as a ten minute hand massage or a face scrub can make all the difference and help put an extra kick in your step.
* Don’t be afraid to say no. You can’t do everything. You are one person and you have limits. That is okay. But stretching yourself too thin can lead to exhaustion. People will understand if you simply explain that you are overloaded and need a break. Everyone has been there. If you need time to yourself, take it. There’s nothing to feel guilty about for taking care of yourself and your own well being.
March 10th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
I have a heck of a time with that last one. Saying “no” is really difficult for me, and sometimes I find that even if I do say no, people will still come to me asking if I can help them find someone who will say “yes”.
Maybe you could blog about a time when you said “no” to a request, or how to politely refuse if the first “no” didn’t work?
March 11th, 2010 at 8:21 am
Hm, that’s a good idea! I will think about that. Could be a good article to do as I know many people have trouble saying “no”. Thanks for the idea Caroline! *hugs*
March 17th, 2010 at 2:11 am
What a great post! I will totally be bookmarking this!
March 17th, 2010 at 5:40 am
Thanks so much, Nessbow ^_^
March 18th, 2010 at 8:59 am
Such a lovely post full of such great advice. Thank you! <3
March 18th, 2010 at 9:04 am
I’m glad you enjoyed it! These are little things I have to constantly tell myself. It helps when I can put them up in a place where I can visit them and share with other people who may be struggling with the same problems.