As a Christian lady, feeling overwhelmed by the many responsibilities and expectations is not uncommon. We are often expected to juggle work, family, friends, church, and other commitments while maintaining a positive attitude of faith and a pure heart toward God and those around us.
Last week I shared on my Instagram story how I began to reflect on my life, everything I have going on, and the many hats I wear as a woman. After reflecting, I felt led to ask if anyone else was overwhelmed. To my surprise quiet, a few people said yes. I prophesied the word of the Lord to the 10 people that responded.
I know it can be challenging to manage everything and still find time for ourselves and our relationship with God. Here are five symptoms you may have if you feel overwhelmed and five tips to help you overcome them.
Symptoms of Feeling Overwhelmed
Increased Stress Levels - When you feel overwhelmed, your stress levels can go through the roof. You may find yourself easily agitated, snapping at loved ones, or unable to relax. When I experience this, my children will always give me this look in their eyes that non-verbally communicate with me to say, "Mom, your buggin'" LOL.
Lack of Motivation - When you feel overwhelmed, motivation seems hard to find, and the motivation to complete even the simplest tasks seems impossible. You may feel like you are constantly falling behind and unable to catch up.
Physical Exhaustion - Feeling overwhelmed can leave you feeling physically exhausted, even if you haven't done much physically. You may find yourself feeling tired all the time, struggling to get out of bed, or feeling like you need a nap in the middle of the day.
Difficulty Sleeping - Overwhelming thoughts can keep you up at night, leading to difficulty falling or staying asleep. Lack of sleep can exacerbate feelings of overwhelm, creating a vicious cycle.
Negative Thoughts - Overwhelming thoughts can lead to negative self-talk and a lack of self-confidence. You may doubt your abilities, feel like a failure, or feel you can't do anything right. We often like to fault satan for this one. My former Pastor used to say. "It's not the ENEMY; it's the INNER ME." Don't get me wrong; I know and understand that satan will also throw darts of negativity in our minds.
Tips to Overcome Feeling Overwhelmed
Prioritize - Make a list of your responsibilities and prioritize them based on their season of importance. Priorities change depending on the season of life you are in. Focus on the most critical tasks first and work your way down the list.
Set Boundaries - Learn the power of the word NO. It is okay to say no to commitments that don't align with your season and your priorities. Know what you do or do not have the time or energy for. Understand that saying no to some doesn't mean you don't care about or love them. In my experience of coaching and mentoring women, those who have experienced a lot of rejection in their life struggle the most with setting boundaries and #3.
Ask for Help - If the expression of being caught red-handed was a tip. I am guilty of this one, personally. I had to learn that it's okay to ask for help when you need it. I became comfortable asking for help over the past 6 years. I spent most of my life not wanting to burden anyone, so I had the mentality that I would do it myself. Trust me, it's okay to reach out to friends, family, or your church community for support.
Practice Prophetic Wellness - This is a self-care practice emphasizing daily reliance on the Holy Spirit's leading for optimal health and well-being for a prosperous spirit, soul, mind, and body. The Holy Spirit will tell you when it's time to rest, recharge, and do activities that you enjoy. This can be as simple as taking a walk, reading a book, taking a relaxing bath, or getting your hair or nails done. Yes, God cares about those things too!
Connect with God - Spend time in prayer, especially in the secret place, reading the Bible, meditating on scripture, attending church, or connecting with other faith-based communities. Connecting with God can provide comfort, strength, and guidance during overwhelming times.
In conclusion, feeling overwhelmed is a common experience for Christian ladies. However, by recognizing the symptoms and implementing these tips, we can overcome these feelings and find peace and balance in our lives. Remember, it is okay to prioritize, set boundaries, ask for help, practice self-care, and connect with God. By doing so, we can cultivate a healthy and fulfilling life as Christian women.
Pray this prayer,
Lord, help me find a better way to manage my stress by relying on you and not my strength. Lord, when I lack motivation, I ask you to help me remember my purpose in life. Lord, I ask for supernatural energy on days when I feel exhausted.
Lord, you promised in your word that you give your beloved sleep. So I thank you in advance for a healthy night's sleep. Holy Spirit, I ask that you give me the mind of Christ and allow me to come out of agreement with negative thoughts that come from within, whether the source is the enemy or me. Help me to think about your goodness and my hope in you.
Lord, allow me to begin to implement the tips that were spoken of in this blog post. Lord, thank you for allowing me to overcome feeling overwhelmed. Give me the courage to prioritize my life, set boundaries, and ask for help. Let me honor myself in such a way as to embrace prophetic wellness. Last but not least, Lord, continue to give me the desire to connect with and grow in my intimacy with you. In Jesus's name, I pray, amen.
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