The Overwhelmed Woman: Part One

by Jill Crossland

Read Part Two

Don't hate me because I'm ... naturally organized.

I have been grateful for those strong organizing skills over the years but never more so than as my coaching business and online magazine grow, as I work on two books, a new project with another business woman plus help my husband set up the business that he will take into a 'working' retirement. There isn't a woman reading this who isn't on a similar path and yes, we would also like to fit in taking care of home, family and a personal life.

So we push ourselves. I drew on my skills & experience; in particular I took my ability to multi-task to a level that was, in hindsight, counter productive.

My body decided to bring all this to a screeching halt with a week long flu affecting me on so many levels that some mornings I just couldn't get out of bed. A cold is rare for me so this was the ultimate wake up to my need to make some changes.

Stress & overwork had weakened my immune system.

Other physical symptoms to watch for:

• trouble sleeping
• headaches
• constipation or diarrhea
• irritability
• lack of energy or lack of concentration
• eating too much or not at all
• weight gain or loss
• anger, sadness, depression or anxiety
• higher risk of asthma and arthritis flare-ups
• tension neck and/or back pain
• stomach cramping or bloating
• skin problems, like hives
• heart problems, high blood pressure
• irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes

The truth behind being overwhelmed

As women we have to debunk the self-belief that as long as we maintain an overloaded schedule, are running around and feeling stressed this means we are accomplishing something.

1. Being in a constant state of busyness does not allow for new creative thought. That is why you may be having trouble finishing that article or coming up with ideas for a new client.
2. When we are running around, we overlook and forget the important things.
3. Being stressed leads to poor mental and physical health.

Everyday signs that you are overwhelmed:

• You find yourself apologizing a few times a week for mistakes made, appointments forgotten or late for, something important overlooked.
• You keep losing or misplacing things.
• The time of day has little meaning, as you are not taking breaks or re-charging with food, a beverage or exercise.
• Pre-planned goals have lost definition. On a larger scale, your life seems to be out of control.
• You are starting to say to yourself "I used to enjoy doing this".
• You don't laugh as much, especially with your partner, family and friends.

Over the next few weeks evaluate your current life pace against how much are you really accomplishing.

For each woman the wake-up is different. If you can answer "Yes, that's me" to two or more signs, our next newsletter is going to offer you realistic ways to deal with being an overwhelmed woman.

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