Stress vs Overwhelm – And Why You Should Know the Difference

Episode • Sep 25, 2023 • 10m

We all get stressed or overwhelmed with our daily responsibilities from time to time. But we’re not always good at telling them apart. And this is important, because the way out of overwhelm is different form the way out of stress.

Stress is caused when the demands on us outweigh the resources we feel we have to cope. Overwhelm happens when high amounts of stress make us feel like we can't cope with our lives' demands. The way out of overwhelm is non-doing, resting, and letting our nervous system settle down.

Prolonged stress and overwhelm can lead to burnout, which just puts more stress on our nervous system, and makes it harder for us to function. In this quick dip, Rachel offers practical advice to help you take care of yourself, recognise overwhelm, and give yourself the time you need to rest.

Listen to this episode

To learn the difference between stress and overwhelm
To discover the benefits of non-doing and how it can help you overcome overwhelm
For practical tips on reducing overwhelm in the future

Episode highlights

[00:03:19] Mindful play
[00:05:03] The F**k it mindset
[00:06:58] What will future me thank me for? (midroll)
[00:08:16] Permission to stop

Resources

THRIVE Weekly Planner
More episodes of You Are Not a Frog:
How to Say F**k it and Become Ridiculously Relaxed – Episode 130 with John C Parkin
The Perils of Perfectionism – Episode 22 with Nicky Odgers
What to Do When You are Overwhelmed – Episode 132 with Gerrie Hawes
How to Escape the Drama Triangle and Stop Rescuing People – Episode 75 with Annie Hanekom
Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience, by Brené Brown
Download the episode’s workbook and CPD form. You can use them for reflection and to submit for your appraisal.

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