Rest, recoup and recharge

Knowing when it is time to down tools

Photo by Derek Liang on Unsplash

Understanding when to recognise overwhelm

I have an active, curious mind. I set myself many challenges. I am constantly thinking about what exciting nature project I can do next. I love learning. But sometimes, when I’ve taken on too much, overwhelm kicks in. My “to do list” can easily feel like it wants to snake out of the door. Sometimes, expectations from the time of year can also have an affect. The extra jobs that seem to be expected before the festive season, for example, can often lead to panic.

I’m getting better at recognising when overwhelm sits within. I become paralysed in my thoughts, I struggle to think coherently and my mind becomes a thick fog. In nature terms I get smothered with creeping ivy and risk being suffocated all together.

I know at this point, I need to take some action for recovery. So what do I do? I encourage myself to take a complete break and rest. I take the pressure off, often self inflicted pressure, and set to work bringing balance into my life. I free myself from the guilt of activity and have a meaningful, quality driven chill.

My chill-out recipe

I rehydrate, my first go to. I flavour water with ingredients such as lemon, mint, cucumber and berries. It is believed that a hydrated brain makes better neural connections : wet brains work better (WBWB).

I go into quiet mode, limiting my interaction with social media, world news, signing up to un-prioritised courses and get togethers.

I join nature close to my home. I watch clouds drift slowly by, I gently garden, I sit and stare at the beauty on my doorstep.

I go for a walk around my garden or in a local park or a nearby woodland.

I notice detail; the form and fragrance of roses, the butterfly on the buddlia, the spaces between the branches of my acer and the early morning dew drop on the blades of grass.

I rest.

Being mindful in nature replenishes. Connecting with nature soothes. Paying full attention to the awesomeness of nature lifts the spirits and enlivens the soul. So when overwhelm creeps next to you and threatens to swallow you up, take to nature to restore your mind, body and spirit balance.

Burnout is a real thing and affects our health in a detrimental way. We need to get good at recognising the signs and make a concerted try to rectify its affects. It is often the smallest pebble at the top of the tor that causes a landslide.

I curious:

What to you do when you feel you are at the beginning of overwhelm?

Where in nature do you find you can achieve a sense of calm?

If you know someone who would benefit from this self-care post, please share.