Kate Silverton Instagram – All animals draw on a number of defence mechanisms when stressed / afraid … one of them is to retreat, pull back, or even ‘flop / faint’ to ‘play dead
When we are on overwhelm – our nervous system may encourage us to do the same
If you are on overwhelm ( and with the school holidays who isn’t?) Listen to your body – what is it telling you, you need right now ?
As a parent / carer we still have a responsibility to those dependent on us – but you can still take time for you, even with your children alongside. You might
👉Suggest everyone gets outside for a walk
👉Suggest a game – like building blocks or @lego anything that allows you to be physically present but for your mind to have the space to switch off a little
👉do some art together – finger painting / crayons / drawing / painting is very soothing for the part of our brain where anxiety originates
👉have an afternoon nap all together / get an early night ( I talk about the power of ‘readathons’ in my book ‘there’s STILL no such thing as naughty’
👉watch a movie – the ‘to do’ list can wait another day
And a good start is by taking two deep breaths in as you read these last few lines .. and let out one long breath – with a little moan if it feels right to do so .. you’re here, you’re ok, and ‘this too shall pass’
Life can feel complex and complicated, which is why we experience anxiety and ultimately overwhelm
Taking small steps where we can, to allow ourselves a pause, and to acknowledge what we feel within, can offer us the space to come back to balance, ready to go again
TAG anyone you think needs to see this – and save it for yourself – it’s not that we won’t feel overwhelmed at times – it’s how we work with it that counts
💪🏼♥️
Let me know what you’re going to do today – to allow yourself to pause ..
#parenting #overwhelm #anxiety #summerholidays | Posted on 26/Aug/2024 17:30:28
