For the past several weeks, my brain has been on overload and my body is drained. I have been dealing with a number of personal and professional issues that are catching up to my well-being.
As much as I don’t want to admit it, I am feeling OVERWHELMED! Twitter and Facebook don’t excite me like they used to. If I don’t make another connection, I won’t lose any sleep over it. But the problem is I AM LOSING SLEEP. My mind is restless—filled with issues that demand my attention—that no one else can do or is willing to do.
I went searching for some answers and read a number of articles that told me to take a deep breath and exhale —or to walk it out to relieve my anxiety. While that may sound like sound advice to some, it provides no consolation when its late at night and the idea of walking in darkness is cause for even more anxiety.
Have you ever been to a point like this in your own life? How do you handle it? How do you turn this type of mess into a message?
Make Your Mess Your Message Blog 
August 15, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Oh, Beverly–
This is a tough spot. You’ve had so much on your plate that even someone with your remarkable talents and energy is feeling overwhelmed. It’s strange that, just when you need your resources, your body can rebel. I can have sleepless nights when I’m stressed and then my back will go out as well, so I’m sleepy and in pain.
Even though it sounds trite, I do think that walking and getting exercise are a great help. Also, when you wake up in the middle of the night with a hundred things on your mind, I think it helps to get up and write them down on a to-do list. That seems to work for me. I hope you’ll be feeling back to your regular self soon. In the meantime, know your diva sisters are sending you lots of love and healing prayers.
August 16, 2009 at 2:14 am
Beverly,
I’ve been experiencing the same due to present circumstances of life, and must admit I’m here to see what people say to do about it:-) I had forgotten about the pad that I keep on my night table to jot down thoughts that come to my mind until I read Eileen’s response. I also try to pray…repeat scripture promises…can’t say I always remember to do those things because when we’re in that mode, we’re tired and speaking for myself, grumpy, so it takes making the effort to do it whether I feel like it or not…and when I do I’m blessed.
A walk during the day while it’s bright and not scarey can help you sleep better that night…sometimes:-)
And you know as a Nutritionist I’m going to say a few things about that…be sure you keep up your eating…it’s easy to short change yourself nutritionally when you’re busy…when under stress protein is more important, as are your B vitamins and calcium.
Claudia
August 16, 2009 at 3:53 am
I am “feelin you” as the kids would say. I am finding the following helpful:
1. walking
2. not eating too late
3. taking vacation “moments”
4. Praying when I wake up early sometimes
5. taking Schiff Melatonin Plus has L-Theanine for even more calming and stress relief at bedtime
6. Prayer again
7. B-Complex Stress combination 1-3x a day.
I have a good friend who is a Psychologist who says she gives herself 15 minutes ,(timed) for a pity party then she moves on. Some folks do only 5 mins.
Talking and support is super, helps when folks listen
August 16, 2009 at 4:00 am
An additional note:
There are times when a sleep study may be in order to rule out sleep apnea.
August 17, 2009 at 10:40 pm
I agree with everyone! So much good advice. I too have been feeling like the weight of the world is on my shoulders. While a good glass of wine will help me unwind, it provides no long-term solution.
Unlike you Beverly, when I am restless I turn to social networking. By reading about and seeing whats going on with others, takes me out of my own way… And I love to read so when I can’t sleep there are always a lot of good books to read! At the rate I’m going will NEVER catch up with my reading anyway.
Thanks for sharing and if you ever just want to CHAT, just call me… and I’ll be there for you,
Big hugs,
Heidi Richards Mooney