When Everything Feels Like a Lot

The holidays can bring a lot of joy, but often a lot of rushing and overscheduled calendars, too. And for some of us, the holidays may bring up grief or stress around setting boundaries and balancing what WE want to do with what everyone expects us to do.

When we’re trying to find time for everything, it’s often the things we enjoy or those little moments of “me” time that start to disappear from the calendar. This includes time to unplug and recharge, both mentally and physically.

What’s Filling Your Stress Bucket?

I often talk about the stress bucket analogy. The bucket represents our capacity for stress, and the water represents all the stressors that add up throughout our day.

Each stressor, whether it’s family responsibilities, a poor night’s sleep, under-fueling, intense exercise, or even a fun evening out (with a later bedtime and some indulgences), can add another cup of water to your bucket.

When we don’t make time for activities that drain some of that water out, like walking outside, sitting down to read a book, connecting with friends and loved ones, or prioritizing sleep, our bucket starts to overflow.

And when that happens, we may start to notice changes in how we feel and possibly symptoms in our body that were not there before.

What Is Your Body Trying to Tell You?

That overflow can show up in many ways. Take a moment to reflect on whether any of these sound familiar.

• Are you experiencing more digestive discomfort?
• Feeling exhausted even after a good night’s sleep?
• Craving more sugar than usual?
• Staying sore longer after workouts?

These may be signs that your body is struggling to keep up with everything you’re asking of it. There could be several contributing factors, but finding a better balance between activity and recovery can help support your body regardless of the source.

The longer we ignore these signals, the harder it may become to restore balance. Chronic stress and inadequate recovery can contribute to longer-term health challenges when left unaddressed.

But here’s the good news: Our bodies are resilient!

With the right support and a little more balance, we can often bounce back after short periods of increased stress.

Feeling off for a long time? That doesn’t mean it’s too late to make meaningful improvements. It may just take more time, consistency, and an individualized approach.

I’ve seen some pretty incredible transformations in my work. It’s never too late to start!

More Is Not Always the Answer

Oftentimes, when we feel like our bucket is overflowing, our answer is to do more.

Another thing to add to our wellness stack. Another supplement, sauna session, cold plunge, special piece of equipment, massage, or red light therapy.

All of these can have benefits. But when they add more stress to an already packed schedule, or create financial stress from the extra expense, are they really helping?

Sometimes doing LESS is actually the secret!

I know, you’re thinking, “Seriously, Jamie? I don’t have time to do less!”

But here’s a little challenge. Check your phone and see how many hours you spent on social media apps last week. Most smartphones have a feature that tracks this. On my Samsung, it’s called Digital Wellbeing.

I’ll fess up here. I spent 3 hours and 47 minutes on Instagram just last week! And while I use it for my business, I definitely caught myself scrolling more than usual.

Mindless scrolling might feel like relaxing, but are you really giving your mind and body a chance to recharge? We can become so absorbed in our devices that we don’t even notice how we’re sitting, breathing, or feeling.

How much of that time could you transform into real downtime?

Make Time for Recovery Before Your Bucket Overflows

I used to work full-time, had a child in daycare or school, a husband and household to care for, and was taking classes for my Nutritional Therapy certification. And, and, and… I get it!

While my time freedom has shifted quite a bit over the past two years, I still found ways to make time for recovery back then when I could (though admittedly not as much as I can now).

Every little bit helps! And it’s more about consistent, small moments of recovery than finding hours of “me” time.

What does that even look like? It can truly be as simple as:

• Reading a book in a cozy chair
• Rolling out your yoga mat for 15 minutes of stretching at home
• Sitting on the porch with your coffee and no phone
• Taking a hot bath
• Going for a walk outside (even better if it’s in a wooded area)
• Doing anything that’s restful and sparks joy. I’ve picked up crochet again recently!

And if you’re truly strapped for time and work inside all day, could you:

• Take 3 deep, slow breaths each time you go to the restroom?
• Step outside for just 3 minutes of fresh air and daylight midday?
• Take 5 minutes before the household wakes up, while your coffee is brewing, to close your eyes and practice a few rounds of 4-7-8 breathing?

Even a few minutes of mindfulness or meditation each day may help reduce perceived stress. It doesn’t have to be a long session to be worthwhile!

Notice what’s filling your bucket and what you might be able to remove. Or where you can create a little space to release some of that stress before your bucket overflows.

I challenge you to pick just ONE thing you can remove and ONE simple thing you can do to support recovery this week.

It doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming to make a difference.

Want Guidance on Where to Start?

Request a complimentary Discovery Call, and let’s work together to find a personalized path that works for you.

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This is not medical advice and not intended to treat or cure any disease or affliction. Please consult your medical professional before utilizing the techniques and tools listed above.

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