If you constantly feel overwhelmed, these 7 micro-habits might be why

I’ve always believed that “busy” is a badge of honor. If we’re not constantly on the go, juggling multiple tasks at once, then we’re not being productive, right?

Well, maybe not.

The truth is, feeling perpetually overwhelmed might not stem from a jam-packed schedule or a mountain of responsibilities. It could be the tiny micro-habits that you unknowingly practice every day that are causing your emotional exhaustion.

Baffled? I was, too.

Let’s take a step back. You’re probably thinking, “Wait, my daily habits could be making me feel overwhelmed?” Yes, indeed. Sometimes, it’s not the big stuff but the small, seemingly insignificant habits that could be throwing your life off balance.

So if you’re consistently on the brink of burnout and can’t figure out why, it might be time to take a closer look at these seven micro-habits that could be causing your constant feeling of being overwhelmed.

Because understanding is the first step towards change. And change, although daunting, can lead you to a calmer, more balanced life.

And who knows? Maybe it could even give your business that boost it needs.

1) You’re overloading your brain with information

We live in a digital age where information is just a click away. Isn’t it great? You can learn something new every second, stay updated with the latest trends, or simply entertain yourself with funny cat videos.

But here’s the kicker.

On the flip side, this constant influx of information could be overwhelming your brain. Think about it.

How often do you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media, reading every post that comes your way? Or how frequently do you check your emails or messages, even when there’s no urgent need?

This continuous bombardment of information can cause mental fatigue. It’s like having too many apps open on your computer – eventually, it’s going to slow down and crash.

So if you’re feeling constantly overwhelmed, it might be worth reevaluating your relationship with information consumption.

Remember, it’s okay to shut off sometimes. It’s okay not to know everything happening around you all the time. Take a break, let your brain breathe.

After all, even the best machines need downtime for maintenance.

2) You’re neglecting self-care

Self-care, for the longest time, was an alien concept to me. I used to pride myself on being a workaholic, always pushing through, even when I was tired or stressed.

Sleep? That’s for the weak. Meals? I can munch on something while working. Breaks? What a waste of time.

See where I’m going with this?

Turns out, I was wrong. Big time. Ignoring self-care, I found out the hard way, is like ignoring the warning lights on your car’s dashboard. Eventually, something’s going to give.

I learned that no matter how pressing your tasks are or how busy you might be, taking time out for yourself is essential. This doesn’t mean you need to book a spa day every week (although that would be nice).

Even small things like ensuring you’re eating balanced meals, getting enough sleep, and taking short breaks for deep breaths – they all add up.

If you’re constantly feeling overwhelmed, ask yourself – when was the last time you did something purely for your well-being?

It might just be the wake-up call you need to start prioritizing self-care. Trust me, it makes a world of difference.

3) You’re a slave to perfectionism

Perfectionism. Oh, how it sneaks up on us. It whispers in our ears that “good enough” just isn’t good enough. It tells us that every detail matters, every mistake is a catastrophe, and that falling short of perfect is synonymous with failure.

Once upon a time, I was its puppet too.

I spent so much time obsessing over every little detail, striving for the unattainable – flawless execution of everything I did. And when I couldn’t reach those unrealistic standards? The feelings of inadequacy and overwhelm would consume me.

But here’s what I learned.

Perfectionism is not your friend. It’s a brutal taskmaster that will push you to the brink of burnout and beyond. It will rob you of your peace of mind and the joy of accomplishment, no matter how big or small.

If you find yourself constantly overwhelmed, it might be time to loosen the strings of perfectionism. Embrace the beauty of imperfection, learn from your mistakes instead of fearing them.

Remember, being perfect isn’t human. But admitting our flaws and growing from them? That’s as real as it gets.

4) You’re stuck in the comparison trap

Ever scrolled through social media, looked at someone else’s life, and thought, “Why isn’t my life like that?” Or perhaps you’ve seen a colleague receive praise and wondered why you didn’t get the same recognition?

Welcome to the comparison trap.

We all do it. We compare ourselves to others – their success, their lifestyle, their looks. But what we often forget is that we’re comparing our behind-the-scenes to their highlight reel.

And guess what?

This habit of constant comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy and overwhelm. We set unrealistic expectations for ourselves based on what we see others achieving, forgetting that everyone’s journey is different.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, it might be time to step back from the comparison game. Instead, focus on your own progress, your own growth.

Believe me, it can make a world of difference in how you view yourself and the world around you.

5) You’re neglecting the power of ‘No’

Did you know that the average person makes about 35,000 decisions a day? That’s right, 35,000. From what to wear to which email to answer first, every decision, big or small, requires mental effort.

Ever said ‘Yes’ to something when you really wanted to say ‘No’? Maybe you didn’t want to hurt someone’s feelings, or perhaps you didn’t want to seem uncooperative.

Well, here’s the deal.

Every time you say ‘Yes’ when you really mean ‘No’, you’re adding unnecessary stress and commitments to your plate. Over time, this can lead to feelings of resentment and overwhelm.

If you’re constantly feeling swamped, it might be time to harness the power of ‘No’. It’s not about being unkind or selfish.

It’s about setting boundaries and prioritizing your well-being. And trust me, it’s a game-changer.

6) You’re carrying the weight of the world

We all have our battles, our worries, our fears. Some days, it feels like we’re carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. It’s okay to feel like this; after all, we’re human.

But sometimes, we take on burdens that aren’t ours to carry. Maybe it’s a friend’s problem that we’ve made our own or a global issue that keeps us awake at night. While it’s noble to care and help where we can, it’s also important to recognize when it’s too much.

If you’re constantly feeling overwhelmed, it might be because you’re shouldering too many burdens – ones that aren’t yours to bear.

Remember, it’s okay to put down the weight. It’s okay to say, “I care about this, but I can’t carry this burden right now.” I know, easier said than done, but recognizing this is the first step towards a lighter load and a less overwhelmed life.

You’re strong, but you’re also human. And that’s perfectly okay.

7) You’re forgetting to live in the moment

With our minds constantly racing towards the future or dwelling on the past, we often forget to live in the present. There’s always something next on the to-do list, always something we could have done differently.

But here’s the most important thing.

The present moment is all we have. By constantly focusing on what’s next or what has been, we miss out on the beauty of now. This can make life feel overwhelming, like we’re constantly playing catch-up.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, try to bring your focus back to the present moment. The past is gone, the future isn’t here yet. All you really have control over is now.

Living in the moment doesn’t mean you ignore your responsibilities or stop planning for the future. It simply means you give yourself permission to enjoy life as it unfolds, one moment at a time.

And that can make all the difference.

Final thoughts

Feeling constantly overwhelmed can be a tough cycle to break. If you’ve found yourself nodding in agreement to these habits, it’s likely that they have been contributing to your feelings of overwhelm.

But here’s the heartening part – recognition is the first step towards change.

By becoming more aware of these micro-habits, you can start to make conscious efforts to change them. And remember, it’s not about achieving overnight transformation. Just like a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, any change begins with small, consistent actions.

Try focusing on one habit at a time. Take note of when and why it occurs. Then, think about what you could do differently in that moment. It might be saying ‘No’, taking five minutes for self-care, or simply allowing yourself to live in the present moment.

Remember, you’re not alone in this. Many of us grapple with feelings of being overwhelmed. But with awareness and action, it’s absolutely possible to break free from this cycle.

Be patient and kind to yourself as you navigate this journey. Celebrate each small victory along the way. And most importantly, remember that it’s okay to prioritize your well-being.

After all, we can only give from an overflowing cup. And taking care of yourself is the first step towards filling your own cup. Here’s to less overwhelm and more peace in your journey ahead.