When Life's Discomforts Stir: Recognising the Signs and Prioritising Your Wellbeing
Life has a way of throwing curveballs at us, and it’s not uncommon to feel run down, overwhelmed, and unsure of which way to turn.
Often, in our pursuit of success and fulfillment, we neglect our own wellbeing.
We push through the discomfort, ignore the niggles of stress, and continue to soldier on. But what if those persistent feelings of overwhelm are actually trying to tell us something important? What if they’re signals that it’s time to pause and reflect on what we truly want?
Understanding Stress and Overwhelm
To better manage these feelings, it's helpful to understand what stress and overwhelm actually mean:
Stress: We feel stressed when we evaluate environmental demands as beyond our ability to cope successfully. This includes elements of unpredictability, uncontrollability and feeling overloaded.
Overwhelm: Overwhelm is an extreme level of stress, an emotional and cognitive intensity that makes us feel unable to function.
Recognising the Signs of Overwhelm
The first step in addressing any problem is recognising it. Overwhelm and stress manifest in various ways, and it’s crucial to identify these signs early.
Here are some common indicators that you might be ignoring your wellbeing:
Constant Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time, even after a full night's sleep.
Persistent Stress: A sense of being perpetually stressed or anxious, unable to relax or find peace.
Irritability: Easily annoyed or frustrated over minor issues.
Loss of Interest: A decline in enthusiasm for activities you once enjoyed.
Physical Symptoms: Headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, or other unexplained physical ailments (auto-immunue disorders).
Emotional Numbness: Feeling disconnected from your emotions or the people around you.
The Dangers of Ignoring Stress and Overwhelm
Ignoring stress and overwhelm can lead to burnout, which is a prolonged imbalance between career and personal life. Burnout can result in personal exhaustion and interpersonal conflicts, severely impacting your quality of life. It’s a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress.
The Importance of Pausing
When you notice these signs, it’s essential to take a step back and pause. Pausing doesn’t mean giving up or failing; it’s an act of self-care and self-preservation. It’s an opportunity to catch your breath, assess your situation, and realign with your values and goals.
Asking the Right Questions
During this pause, ask yourself some critical questions to gain clarity on what you truly want:
What are my current sources of stress and discomfort?
What aspects of my life bring me joy and fulfillment?
Am I aligning my daily actions with my long-term goals and values?
What strengths can I draw on to overcome these challenges and give me more motivation
How can I incorporate more self-care into my routine?
Moving Forward with Clarity
By taking the time to pause, reflect, and prioritize your wellbeing, you’ll be better equipped to handle life’s challenges. You’ll gain clarity on what you truly want and need, enabling you to make decisions that align with your values and enhance your overall quality of life.
Remember, it’s not about pushing through the discomfort; it’s about listening to your body and mind, understanding what they’re trying to tell you, and taking the necessary steps to care for yourself. When you prioritise your wellbeing, you’re not only improving your own life but also setting a positive example for those around you.
I can guarantee you if you give yourself the gift of a pause you will walk away with a richer understanding of yourself, the opportunities available for you to leverage right now and a deeper knowing of what fulfills you.
Don’t continue to push hard at achieving success when you know something isn’t feeling right. Instead, it might be time to check in with yourself and get an external and impartial perspective.
For a person to be truly happy and live a meaningful life, a person must recognise their strengths and use these strengths for the greater good.
Dr Martin Seligman