I had the pleasure to be in conversation with
where we discussed the neuroscience of this universally human experience that is feeling overwhelmed.We recognised a few key things:
overwhelm means there is a real or perceived threat - that means the focus needs to be on rebuilding safety
you can’t think your way out of overwhelm - than function of the brain is literally on hold
instead, you turn towards the physical sensations in the body, locate them and become curious about how they feel
small steps to move from overwhelm to mobilised energy can go a long way: movement, touch, breath, vocalising, naming what you can see or hear in your environment
Bonus insight:
What is the story my mind tells me?
It tends to go along the lines of:
“I can’t handle this”
“This is too much"
“I will never be able to..”
“I need to get this done or..”
“Everything is falling apart”
“Why can’t I never…”
We end our chat with a gentle somatic practice where we show our body what it means to be safe and connected.
And now it’s your turn! How do you experience overwhelm?
I'd' really love to know, so let’s start a conversation about it in the comments below.
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