If you are anything like myself, you have a tendency to put the needs of others in front of the needs of yourself. We are the doers and the go-getters. We are the ones who hate saying no to a new project. We are driven and motivated, but also very, very busy — just the way we like it. This all sounds so helpful and selfless and like we can do anything. But we can't do everything.
A few weeks ago, I finally hit my breaking point after pushing myself just barely too far. I hadn't taken much time for myself and was somehow still struggling with prioritizing all of the tasks that seemed to pile up into an endless stack of to-dos. On top of it all, I had received a few stressful bouts of unfortunate news, and I found myself scrambling to a solution. When I received news that my sister had been in an accident, I discovered what it was for me to finally hit my limit.
While my sister is OK after the accident, it took my mom asking me to come home for me to realize just how far down I had gone (I'm not much of a homebody; I love my space). I have a hard time asking for help, so I tend to just power through and get things done without considering the toll it takes on my mental health. It takes a lot for me to sob at work, but I truly had reached the edge, and there was no denying it any longer.
I am learning that it's OK not to act strong all the time. Open communication and compromise are two ways to help get through your never-ending agenda. Nobody expects you to have superhuman capabilities, no matter if that's how you feel, so get comfortable communicating your overwhelmed feelings!
In the midst of conquering every possible project, it is important to take care of yourself and to know your limit. You are only one person, and it is okay to ask for help! Taking time for yourself may look different to everyone, but you have to figure out what works best for you, and learning this at a young age will help you in the long run.
For some, making time to watch a few episodes of a show on Netflix soothes them. For others, it may be reading a book or doing some yoga. Some people are able to have a workout and eliminate that feeling of stress. If writing de-stresses you, then give journaling a go! Find a healthy habit, (emphasis on healthy!), that brings you a bit of sunshine without adding stress to your day.
If these all sound too time-consuming, (I'm looking at you, fellow over-involved college students), take a few minutes to focus on your breathing. I use an app called Insight Timer to schedule in even five minutes of breathing, which brings my focus back in.
Anxiety got you down? Lists can be your best friend, and your worst enemy, so discovering a list-making method that serves you can also be a form of self-care. For me, I like my daily to-dos. Whatever I cannot accomplish is added to the following day's list the night before. I set realistic goals and deadlines for myself.
We all slip up and get caught up in the chaos of it all. Don't forget that if you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to take care of others. You cannot light yourself on fire to keep others warm. Taking care of yourself only allows you to put your best effort forward in the world.
I promise you, it's worth it.
