03 - Types Of Overwhelm

We have all heard of overwhelm, but what actually is it and what can we do about it? In this podcast episode, Elizabeth Mintun, a psychotherapist and mindfulness coach, defines and explains overwhelm. She identifies several categories of overwhelm: mental, physical, sensory, time, responsibility, and emotional. Elizabeth talks about the continuum of overwhelm: from circumstantial and occasional to chronic and debilitating. She shares a personal story about a day of the week that she particularly finds overwhelming (Tuesdays!) and the reframe she uses to reduce her overwhelm. Key Takeaways: Unchecked overwhelm can lead to physical and mental problems. Reflecting on our “why” can be useful in navigating and reducing overwhelm because it helps us reconnect with our reasons and the purpose of our choices in life. It is important to notice and acknowledge even our small achievements because that can send signals to our nervous system that we are progressing and assist our nervous system in calming and regulating itself.