How to Stop Overextending Yourself: This article is Part 3 of 4

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Dear Friend,

Projects, projects, projects.  Do you take on too many projects?  Too many jobs?  Too much of anything in your life?  I am terrible about this, to be honest.
Even if you are doing things that you enjoy and love doing, if you overextend yourself and take on too much, it becomes burdensome.

For example, stress overload comes from the day-in-day-out dealing with too much pressure. It's the result of too many demands and too little time, and the frustration of not always being able to get things to come out right.

Knowing that stress is hammering away at your mind and body is the first, and most important, step towards doing something about it.

Just yesterday I was focusing on writing, packing my kids clothes for their trip to Florida to visit my mother and getting ready to entertain some guest for our Memorial Day Bar-B-Q. I had a lot on my plate-not to add my friend wanted me to stop by to visit her mom who was in town for the holiday.

I already hand my plate full but could not seem to say “No” to everyone request of me. Until my body let everyone know that enough was enough. Yes, my friend I collasped right their in front of everyone from pure burnout.

 But, it is inevitable that I take on too much. Once I get behind, then I sort of get depressed that I am not keeping up to the schedule that I expect from myself. However my friend, this blog is to help you make better choices. Do as I say not as I do. We all fall behind and make mistakes, but the key is to learn from them. Overextending myself is a lesson that I am still learning from.

What about you?  Does this sort of “over extension” happen in your life?  Maybe it’s your work, as it is for me.  Maybe it’s a hobby or something else in your life.

The bottom line is to become aware in this area and try your best to balance your projects. The key is to practice “SELF CARE”. Below are ways to tell if you are overextending yourself.

Symptoms fall into three broad areas: physical, emotional and relational. Here are the common symptoms in each category.

* Physical: Sleep disturbances; back, shoulder or neck pain; tension or migraine headaches; upset or acid stomach, cramps, heartburn; weight gain or loss; eating disorders; hair loss; and fatigue.

* Emotional: Nervousness, anxiety; depression, moodiness; irritability, frustration; memory problems; feeling out of control; and substance abuse.

*Relational symptoms: Frequent job changes; road rage; domestic or workplace violence; overreactions; isolation from social activities; conflict with co-workers or employers; domestic or workplace violence; overreactions; increased arguments; isolation from social activities; and conflict with co-workers or employers.

Affirmation for Overextending Yourself:

"I am honest and open with myself and others"

“I choose to make positive healthy choices for myself”

“When I believe in myself, so do others”

“I express my needs and feelings”

“I choose love, joy and freedom, open my heart and allow wonderful things to flow into my life.”

 I hope this helps. Till next time!!!

Love and Blessing

LeToya

LeToya White is the founder of The Light of Day, INC. a research center that develops personal development and life tools that help people overcome the adversity of life. If you have moved to a new city…don't know many people, don’t have any friends, are stuck in a rut, feel trapped, performance is trending low, lost your drive for life, or have insecurities please feel free to contact me at lightofdayinc@yahoo.com for a free consultation or visit http://www.lightofdayinc.com/.

 Things to think about, Life will always have challenges just remember this too shall pass. Your ultimate goals and objectives you have set out for your life resolves around your fears, anxiety or low self-confidence. Do you have a sense for which one of these may be causing the hiccups you mention? If so you have the first step to getting out of your rut.

Many of my clients respond to their problem with this statement, “Every time I say to myself I need to make a change, it always backfires and I end up going one step forward, 500 steps back.”

Do you feel this way, if so you are not alone!

The truth is when you get the feelings that your goals are impossible to reach, do you believe it has to do with the goals you have selected or with uncertainties/fears/negative challenges that impact your belief that you will get there?

When this happens you need to try harder to put yourself in situations that will create opportunity of change. Not only will doing something for change and the enjoyment of it help get out of your mental rut; it will give you a new opportunity to form relationships and friends… breaking down your fear boosting self confidence are all supported by the willingness to change.

I look forward from hearing from you!!!

Love and Blessing LeToya