Rx: When You are Overwhelmed or Exhausted

There are times in our lives when we reach a place of overwhelm and exhaustion. We can hardly get out of bed in the morning and put one foot in front of the other to get through the day. We have used up our supply of energy and health and are running on brute force and awkwardness.

Here are some of the circumstances which can bring us to this state:

• Too much responsibility.
• Overwork.
• Crisis (one or more.)
• Overuse of one’s creative forces.
• Over-giving and under-receiving.
• Resistance to the course of one’s life.
• The burden and boredom of the commonplace.
• Erratic or inadequate self-care.

The two best remedies:

• Take to your bed for a few days.
• Take a vacation.

If you can’t get away and must persevere:

• Make a list or a mind map of your top 5 essential (vs. important) priorities.
• Schedule only what falls into those categories!
• Practice the Fine Art of Cancellation for everything else.
• Ask for help.
• Schedule short frequent periods of prayer and quiet time.
• Show up for them.
• Feed your body at regular hours and eat lots of greens.
• Drink lots of water.
• Carry a healthy snack with you to get you through the 3 o’clock downs.
• Reduce intake of sugars, caffeine and alcohol.
• Buy yourself a bunch of fresh flowers.
• Get to bed by nine.
• Be sparing of words and patient of spirit.
• Rest whenever and wherever you can.
• And hold on to your inner composure.

Sometimes we can recover in a short time, especially if we begin our turnaround early in the game. Sometimes it takes longer. Whatever it takes, be courageous and persevere. By practicing extreme self care, we can avoid illness and support recovery. The result is a return to health and well-being, and the energy to further our Extraordinary Life.

Excerpted from An Invitation to An Extraordinary Life
© 2011 Anacaria Myrrha ~ All Rights Reserved