Keys to Avoid Overwhelm and Burnout
Life is full.
I get it!
I have demands on me from all angles — family, clients, a dog with nine new puppies (!), life admin, friends, keeping my business alive and thriving, exercise, health, nutrition and diet.
(Cute eh!?)
On top of that, there’s the drive to not just survive, but to reach for my highest potential.
It’s a lot just to manage being alive and thrive in this world!
Can you relate?
The thing is, if you don’t get in touch with your nervous system, you can end up frazzled and brittle.
Nervous system work helps you to build your ability to stay regulated (calm and in flow).
It’s not like life all of a sudden becomes 100% organised, perfect, pain-free and without challenges, BUT your ability to meet life’s changes improves.
You’re no longer capsized by the waves that used to overwhelm you,
The biggest thing I have noticed in myself since starting nervous system work is this ability to be tidal: to be able to move in sync with a natural ebb and flow within myself.
To not judge periods of rest and inaction or slowness. To not stay stuck there and to move with the rising tides.
Much like the moon or the ocean we are tidal by nature. We have phases of deep rest and inaction and moments of drive, intensity, speed and movement, and everything in between.
However, our culture teaches us to go-go-go until everything is complete. Most of us have lost touch with the subtlety of the tides within us. Only noticing it when it's too late, and we feel exhausted or overwhelmed. And I get it we have deadlines, external pressure from the ticking clock, expectations of productivity and sales targets, not to mention the never ending emergency energy of survival on top of all of that…..
All of this is a recipe for adrenal fatigue (eventually) burn out, depression or collapse.
(Alot of the time it’s our own inner tyrant!!! Who is the unhealthy task master.(Would you agree?)
And……I have found I am far more productive and effective when I work within the natural waxing and waning nature within me, my clients have found this to be true for them too!)
It is truly possible to reach great heights, to achieve great things, to shoot for the stars without burning out. We do this by becoming aware of our tidal nature, and when our range of regulation has become smaller - to work with small doable pieces over time towards health, so that we can reach our goals without burning through vital inner resources.
This ‘small doable pieces over-time” thing is key for nervous system work, this is how we heal our physiology, hence why it’s a (minimum) 3-month coaching program I offer for people to work with me.
So back to my full life, launching a new business, study, puppies, friends, etc, etc…..
How do I do this and stay within my range of regulation and health?
I prioritize being in touch with my tidal nature. I notice the ebbs and flows and as much as I can and I follow them. I notice when I go into a feeling of pushing and I stop, re-adjust and ask myself “What does my body need right now?”
Sometimes this means gentleness, softening, and slowing down. Sometimes it means telling myself what I need to hear. Sometimes it means taking a break and jumping in the freezing cold ocean, or having a day where I focus on self -care. Sometimes it means reaching out for support if I am feeling stuck.
Being in touch with your tidal nature works, it's living in sync with your body, noticing when the tide is all the way out and responding accordingly. And remembering a rising tide lifts all boats.
If you’re feeling at all frazzled or overwhelmed with life and would like support to find balance, reach out for a free no-obligation 30 minute check the fit call to explore 1:1 support with me.
Here’s what a client says about working with me,
“Working with Ellie Wilde has been truly life-changing. She has a remarkable ability to delve deeply into trauma and the nervous system. Through her approach, I have successfully overcome limiting beliefs and patterns that had previously kept me feeling stuck”
With love,
Ellie
P.S. Know someone who’s been feeling a bit frazzled and overwhelmed lately? Help them by sharing this post with them 🙂
