What to do when you feel overwhelmed:

This morning was another great spin class.  Good thing that my muscles warmed up after a few minutes because I am experiencing major DOMS in my legs and bootay after yesterday’s pump class.  Isn’t it kind of sick how much we enjoy feeling sore?  It means we had an awesome workout.

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Currently (aka this hour and in 20 minutes my roller-coaster personality will change to something else) I am feeling a little overwhelmed with the amount of stuff on my plate (it feels like there is more stuff on there than my all you can eat salad bar plate).  They are all good things on my plate but sometimes that can be the problem.

We can have TOO many great things going on and after a while we become fatigued and want to just crawl in bed for 8 centuries rather than face all that we have to do.    Plus, let’s be honest…it is probably just one of those crazy hormonal girl days so bare with me.

Sometimes I just need to write out what I need to do because then it forces me to do it so…..

How to help yourself not be so overwhelmed that you feel like your head is going to explode the minute you wake up.

1.  Say No To Something.  Prioritize what really matters to you and say no to the things that don’t really matter and you don’t have time for.  No one will hate you especially if you explain to them WHY you are saying no.

2.  Eat Better.  When I get ultra busy I tend to eat even more simple carbohydrates than I normally do which ends up turning into a headache and sugar crash.  Making better choices always ends in a happier Janae.  Eat your vegetables Janae…does corn count as a vegetable?

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I need to build one of these into my house.  (Billy, get to work)

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3.  Get your yoga on.  Tonight 6:30 p.m. I am having a date with my yoga mat and going to a BYU class.

4.  Look at the big picture. Think about the WHYs of what you are doing?  Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed with work I remember that I am working my very hardest for me and Billy’s future and to get him through school, it makes me want to work even harder when I look at things long term rather than just being stressed that day.  At the same time it helps to just take things day by day…I can’t decide which I like better:)   It really helps me to feel less overwhelmed when I change my perspective on things….rather than looking at a situation as stressful and worrying about it, look at it with a new pair of glasses and see it for what it really is.   Be optimistic about the world.  It is kind of funny because I think a large part of our stress levels have to do with the way we view the world.

5.  Simplify.  Unplug from electronics for a little while, try not to multi-task and just focus on the task at hand.

6. Run….of course….that is a no brainer:)  Do something that YOU enjoy and something that is your ME time, EVERY single day.

7.  As much as I complain about showering it really does make me feel better.  Getting ready and wearing real people clothes (with less than 3 stains) helps me operate better and work better.

8.  Realize that everything doesn’t have to be done perfectly, some things you can definitely compromise on.

9.  Serve somebody else.  I don’t know why I always forget this one because it is is so helpful. As soon as I start focusing on fixing/helping someone else with their problems rather than what I have going on, I feel so much better…kind of like that runners high ya know? I think endorphins are released when we help others.

10.  Eat some chocolate:  Another picture that my sister sent….Milky Way cake.  Now she just needs to make it for me.  How about Sunday sissy?  (She better be reading the blog today).  It only calls for 11 full Milky Way bars….oh wait, doesn’t this contradict my second point?

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What helps you the most when you are feeling overwhelmed?  Does that happen to you often?

When was the last time you did yoga?  Does it help you with your stress?  What type of yoga is your favorite?  Do you want to do yoga more? What was the last song you listened to?  Can you remember?

Besides exercise, what is something that you try to do every day that YOU enjoy?

-Watch an episode of a hilarious tv show right before bed…i.e. The Office, we have almost every episode memorized by now.

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73 comments

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Oh gosh, I feel like all the time. Just taking a day to chill out and do what I want to do normally helps. If I can find the time. ;)

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Great post, lady. These are things I need to tell myself all of the time (like saying no to things…), but sometimes it helps for someone else to say it.
Have a great day!

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The last song I listened to is Queen – Flash. One of the BFs coworkers has been listening to it loud in the office so the BF had to torture me with it.

Reading a book or something just for me is good when I am overwhelmed. Also talking with my BFF helps too.

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Great post, we def forget to think about these things when we get overwhelmed its important to keep ourselves in check and remember to do the things that keep us sane

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I make a time breakdown of my day……the more overwhelmed, the more detailed….so sometimes I include all decisions in there like what to wear to school, meals, etc. . I hate making decision when overwhelmed.
I find it keeps me in the moment…..with what I am doing, and creates a smooth transition into what I have to do next.

I also make sure I know the next time I will have alone time. So for me I have off school Friday, I use how amazing that will feel as my dangling carrot.

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These are all such good tips! I really like your point about remembering WHY we are doing the things that we do, puts it all in perspective.

The last song I listened to is from my run this morning, “Fire” by 2NE1, it gets me super excited when I listen to it!

When I’m feeling overwhelmed I try to step away for a few minutes. I walk around the block, go on the internet for a few minutes, text a friend… something to give my brain a break for a few minutes and it never seems as overwhelming once I come back to whatever was stressing me out!

I try to read once a day. I love love love reading books, and if I read for a few minutes before bed I feel so much more relaxed!

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Excellent post Janae! I tend to get anxious about stuff and think and think and think and think about it and then get more anxious and it’s vicious cycle and I turn into a frazzled mess. Just a disaster.

Reading definitely helps me … and I used to make fun of people who made a point of “unplugging” for the night – ha! – I’m one of them now. It definitely makes a difference…

Last song? We’ve been listening to Adele covers on YouTube in my (girly) office this afternoon. Love!

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loved this girl! thanks for the reminder. i find myself overwhelmed at times as well (probably more than i should, thanks to my “type a” personality), so dealing with my stress in healthy ways is definitely crucial. exercise/”me time” is SO important. i would go crazy if i didn’t exercise regularly. talking to my husband and mom about my thoughts and feelings helps too. they help me rationalize things and put things into perspective. writing them out and/or making a list always helps too!

i hope your feelings of being overwhelmed and stressed subside soon! *hugs*

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The last song I listened to was “The Show Goes On” by Lupe Fiasco. It’s one of the songs that gets played during warmups at Chicago Blackhawks games in the United Center. Listening to it always gets me pumped up!

Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I make lists. Lists of things to do, things of things to remember, lists of events for the calendar, etc. Putting things down on paper makes everything seem clearer and easier to comprehend.

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When I get overwhelmed I let myself have one big cry then figure out things I can actually take care of and start to take small steps to accomplish them. I don’t like lists but “crossing things off” is a good feeling. Letting myself cry over the small stuff (while sometimes inevitable) seems to take me in the opposite direction I need to be heading.

I like yoga and do it once a week but sometimes (I realize this is super contradictory) when I’m stressed for time, I don’t like yoga because I don’t get a good enough sweat. I tend to do yoga when I have extra time for exercise.

Last song I listened to was “Read My Mind” by the Killers

When driving home from work I spend a little time with no music. Helps me clear my thoughts…plus I have a long drive and get bored of my music :)

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Oh how I needed this post!! Looks like we’re on the same hormonal- female days… yippee! Also, I’m feeling so overwhelmed with earning money, taking a test and turning in TWO (not one but TWO) six paged papers, and doing everything else…and I’m getting sick. haha Today I tried taking a nap, even if its just laying in the dark, there’ s something relaxing about that. I’m not watching TV until I get my work done but I am going to the gym tonight for an easy jog :) Hopefully I’ll come back and konk out so I’ll be able to tackle tomorrow to-do’s!
Hope you enjoy a run, chocolate, candy, healthy food, naps, and anything that helps de-stress you! Have Billy give you a neck massage- that’s where I seem to carry my stress. Yoga sounds like it will be great, too!

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Great post – points we can all be reminded of!

I amped up the yoga this weekend b/c my body pretty much demanded it and took my first lunch time class today {not as relaxing since the clock was right in front of me}. Funny how I usually put it off when I need it the most.

Pinterest (seriously) and magazines help me relax – more visual focused stuff after decision making all day.

My co-worker is currently playing techno {we work in creative suites} which is keeping me awake for the next 15 min.

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Coffee is my go-to when I’m stressed. I’m a total caffeine addict and when I start to feel a little cray-cray, coffee is my best friend!

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Great post! I just recently have been dealing with this myself and I am doing some of the things on your list. :) I unplugged this past long weekend and it felt great! I didn’t really realize how overwhelmed I was becoming until I did this. You are SO right, we can still get overwhelmed with good things in our lives and if not addressed it can lead to anxiety and stress.
#8 is really tough for me! I don’t like to do anything if I can’t do it well. :/

Thanks for the tips! :)

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yes to all those. and first of all, take care of you. Spend time alone, with God, just being still. You need it and you deserve it friend.
<3

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You nailed this post! I think so many people can relate to feeling overwhelmed at least once everyday(myself included).

My go to for dealing with it? Yoga. My favorite is a power yoga because it doesn’t give me time to dwell on things. We flow through the postures rather quickly and I get a good sweat. 99.9% of the time I feel recharged and better after it!

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I’m an elementary special education, so I feel overwhelmed often! A lot of it is put onto me by myself – I want my kiddos (with learning disabilities) to have the greatest chance possible at a fulfilling life, so I set high expectations for them. My administration does not put the expectations on me for them to do well – I do it to myself. So I will often be stressing out about goals I make for them! When I’m particularly stressed, I RUN!!! I agree, too, about watching the carbs. All I want when I’m stressing is chips and bread and butter and chocolate. All they really do is distract me for the few seconds it takes to eat and swallow the treats, and then I feel 1) still stressed out, 2) guilty that I ate something I shouldn’t have, 3) angry that I am now stressed out AND angry!

Last song I listened to – Taylor Swift’s “Safe and Sound” from the Hunger Games soundtrack. I am mildly obsessed with this song!

Amanda

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teacher! I’m a special education TEACHER! Sheeesh… Apparently 7:05 is past my bedtime, because I can’t type correctly!

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Writing down what I have to do helps me a lot when I am overwhelmed. For some reason it helps me let it all out of my mind! I did yoga on Sunday for the first time in months and it helped a ton. I swear this week I am much more balanced!!! Something I enjoy that I try to do every day is take a bath, but I usually do it about once a week. I sleep so much better!

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Hi, there’s so much I love about your list but getting in some ME time is something I think a lot of people neglect.
Letting go of the need for perfection is another one I love, but the one I like most is eating chocolate cake!
Today was a tough day with too much going on, so I’m glad I read this – it cheered me up! Thanks,
Dave.

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I get overwhelmed frequently with chronic migraines. I’m allergic, I think I’ve said this before, to caffeine and chocolate. But I am a candyholic. My stress reliever is to run. If I go too many days without it I get very sad. My house will get messy, my counter gets cluttered, my OCD gets insane, I can’t think, I just cry. My husband will come home from work and …vacuum. He has learned it is the first thing that helps clear my mind. Random I know. But it is a start. From there I work my way through and end with a good run.

I hope you feel better.

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Great post, Janae! I really needed to read something like this today. I sometimes feel overwhelmed with having one foot in so many things (school work, work, church duties, friend and family get-togethers, exercising!)…
It was perfect timing. I actually got sick over the weekend because of some back-to-back-to-back events.
:) Again, it was a great post, and perfect timing for my overwhelmed head.

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Running helps me most when I feel overwhelmed; sometimes it helps me to make a to do list and prioritize important vs. unimportant, and once you’ve made your list see if there is anything you can cut out or delegate to others, like your spouse/family, or teaching my students to make their own of something for a project vs. me making it for them. It is okay to ask for help!

I LOVE yoga, I go every Tuesday, helps me with stress and maybe it’s only mental, but I think it helps me stay away from injury. We still need to go together sometime! But, my class is 8:15 PM-9:30ish (she usually goes over) so it’s kind of late.

Something I do every day that I enjoy is…talking to my friends/not working during my lunch break. So many teachers work during their lunch and it is a crying shame! Take that time for yourself :)

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Great post Janae! Very motivating!! When I am feeling overwhelmed I often write in my journal and talk myself through things. I do yoga a few times per week but mostly just videos in my apartment. I like ashtanga yoga because it is pretty active. The one thing I try to do everyday (I’ve done it most days this year so far… I think I missed one day) is write. It’s something I enjoy and it’s very soothing for me.

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I needed this! My head feels like it’s going to explode with everything I need to do within the next two weeks.
It happens to me with school and I just remember to take a break! Without it, I would go nuts.
I did yoga on Monday and Bikram is my absolute favorite. I leave there so relaxed yes exhausted because I got a great workout and it really does make me feel better.

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I have yoga in the am, and I look forward to this Wednesday morning practice every week. It balances me and allows me to set intentions to get through the rest of the week. Every night before I go to bed I drink a cup of hot tea and read a book in bed.

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Love your tips :-) This week is conferences at my school and I am already feeling overwhelmed by it all and they’re not until Thursday! Taking some time to relax and play with my puppy (tell Billy that this works. Then maybe he will get you a puppy!) always helps me :-)

I always make time to read at least a little of a magazine or fun book before bed every night. It always soothes me into going to sleep quickly!

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Love that cute watch you’re wearing!

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Writing things down helps me when I’m feeling overwhelmed with things that need to get done. If I have all of my thoughts organized into a “to-do” list on paper, it helps me to relax a bit!

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Love what you said about looking at the big picture. I needed to be reminded of my ‘why’ today! That salad bar looks amazing! You really should ask for that for your birthday, Christmas or Anniversary present. How hard could it be to make and the plus side is you would have one in your house at all times. I like to write things down to help me remember. I’ll even write things down that I’ve already done because it gives me the extra boost to feel like I’ve already accomplished something or it’s just that I’m OCD:) We love The Office and watch it every night before bed as well. Seriously, we are like blog soul mates!

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Oh my Goodness, I can’t tell you how perfectly timed this post was. I had one of those days yesterday, and it’s kind of carried over to today. I even went for a run last night and tried to think of things I could do at work to feel less overwhelmed and to better manage my time. I want to print this post and keep it at my office for days like the last few – THANK YOU x 1000000!!!!

I think you hit on some really good points… Unplug – it’s SO easy these days to get distracted and overwhelmed when we are connected in 100 different ways! Email, facebook, 3 phones (not kidding), texting, etc etc- it seems like there are so many things competing for our attention at any given time that no wonder it’s hard to keep focused on one thing! You’re also completely right about attitude and stress levels… Just choosing to appreciate how lucky we are goes a long ways. This was a God send – exactly what I needed to hear. My love for your blog grows :) :)

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Love these tips. I think that working out is the number one cure when I feel stressed out; especially if I work out with a family member. I love to go on long walks/hikes with family! By the end we are all riding the endorphin high and we get to refuel and eat a big meal together :)

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When I am feeling overwhelmed, I usually want to give up. Recently, I’ve started truly searching for the positive in every situation and keeping that in mind when I am going through something stressful. It might not be easy, but it’s worth it. Exercise in general helps with my stress, yoga helps with my running and I don’t do it enough. Every day, I try to read before I go to sleep and try to get at least 15 minutes of sun (if it’s shining – a rarity during a Vermont winter). Both of those things make me feel relaxed and happy.

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It must be that time of year because I have also been feeling unmotivated and uninspired. This is a tough time of year for kids and teachers like us. Great tips – I will keep these in mind if my sour mood continues. I especially like the one realizing that everything doesn’t have to be perfect. Thanks!

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Thank you for this today. Because today I hate everything and it feels good to not feel alone in being overwhelmed.

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Janae, that was beautiful. We all need to hear it sometimes. I’ve been working on #9 myself. :)

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If I’m feeling overwhelmed, I try and look at the big picture (number 4!)

Things usually aren’t as bad as they seem and focusing on how bad they are just keeps you stuck in a funk!

When it seems like things aren’t going quite right, I try and think of how lucky I am in so many ways and how the little things don’t really matter.

Staying positive is the key!

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I love yoga. It’s a great way to work the body and soothe the mind. I try to go a couple times a week.

When I feel overwhelmed, I make a list. It helps me to prioritize things when I can see them in black & white.

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Is it creepy that I instantly knew the last photo was from Pioneer woman?? Haha

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Not creepy at all…it makes me love you even more:)

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This post was perfect timing! I have literally been going non-stop for over a week now, my weekend was actually more exhausting than the week days before it! I have so many things going on right now that I just want to crawl in my bed and hide from the world. I just keep reminding myself that on Friday the ONLY thing I have scheduled is my (FIRST!) 13 miler. Then I get to be a bum. Okay, a bum with law school work to do. But I’m bumming it on Friday.

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I’m 110% introvert, so when I get overwhelmed, I need time to myself to veg out with no commitments. I feel that this is hard for some people (extroverts) to understand and can be misinterpreted as being disinterested, but there are just times when doing too many social things just wears me out and I have to say no.

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Ok as odd as this sounds……when I get overwhelmed, it really helps me to clean my room/organize something because this is super energizing for me and it helps me get the ball rolling.

Or I just take a nap hahaha…which is usually helpful, but sometimes counterproductive when I just want to nap forever and not face the world!

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Great post- I tend to get overwhelmed quite easy! Prioritizing and lists are a godsend for me..they make all those miniscule tasks (which add up) seem doable! Also exercise, unsurprisingly, motivates me to tackle my lists! Hope the yoga helped!

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Thanks for this post I totally needed it today, yoga definitely relaxes me I’m going to make sure I fit it in tomorrow. Hope your day got better!

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Great post and good reminders! I love how you are with your nieces and nephews. You and Billy will be awesome parents some day! ;)

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Thanks Marie, your comment made my day!

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Janae, I needed this post today in a big way!! Thanks so much!

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You are so welcome Connie. Hope you are having an amazing day!

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I feel overwhelmed more often than I would like to…I just drop all I can for a day. I mean, I still need to go to work and take care of my kids, but…its completely ok if they get a ham and cheese toast for dinner and watch TV in the afternoon, if the laundry and cleaning is put off…get the point? And of course obscene amounts of ice cream and going to bed early help the process immensely.

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Talking to my best friend or having a warm cup of tea and staring at the wall for a little while are my best stress busters.
Sorry to hear that you are feeling overwhelmed Janae, I hope the yoga helped and that twisting yourself into pretzel shapes might have untwisted your brain a little :)
Love the spin playlist as well!

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I think one of the best things I’ve done lately is stopped blogging on the weekends. I pretty much don’t even turn my computer on between Friday and Sunday nights. It really helps me relax!

I like yoga in a class, but I don’t really enjoy it on my own. I think that’s how I feel about most exercise actually, other than running.

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Running really helps me when I’m feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Unfortunately I’m injured right now so I can’t run half as much as I want to.
I also find that ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’… when I’m feeling overwhelmed I talk to my husband or mum about it and it only usually takes them 0.5 seconds to offer to help out :)

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Have you tried Bikram Yoga? Its done in insane heat but it helps you forcus more on stretching and not zoning out.
Otherwise I destress by catching up on my DVR of shows boys hate aka gossip girl, desperate housewives and once upon a star.

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last night i got a massage, ate some eggs, and drank some delicious hot chocolate (is it wrong to mix milk with heavy cream?! it tasted so good, but has to be so so wrong). was a great way to unwind after a stressful day!

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oh – and i caught up with The Voice!

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Not wrong at all! I am so happy you got to have such an amazing night after a stressful day, you deserve it!

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Okay… this may help when you feel overwhelmed. ha ha
http://www.iheartnaptime.net/ice-cream-cake/

I saw it and thought of you. I need to make this asap because I <3 milky ways!

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Karla, you know me way too well…this made my day, I can’t wait to try it! THANK YOU!

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Ok so I have to ask- why does Lady Gaga have your last name on your playlist???? hahaha

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Oops ha! Long story short…when I speed up my songs on garage band it lists me as the artist for some reason since it is my computer…forgot to fix that one:)

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I often get that momentary overwhelming feeling of “oh my gosh – so much to do!” I think prayer, working out, talking with Daniel, and making time to relax all help.

I did a 40 minute fat-burning yoga dvd on Monday morning. I’ve GOT to do yoga more often! My favorite type is hot yoga – love it!

I try to read my Bible every single day. I keep a copy of the new testament in my purse, and I have the youversion Bible app on my phone, so even if I only have a few spare minutes, I know that I can learn something and feel refreshed.

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I actually made that Milky Way Cake 2 weeks ago and last night my husband was begging me to make it again. It is seriously ridiculous. You will no longer feel overwhelmed after consuming. It took all of my cares away…

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That is so cool that you made it….I really can’t wait to try it out wahoo! Thanks for letting me know it is amazing!

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Thanks for this post Janae!! I really needed it.. I’ve been feeling so overwhelmed for the past two weeks… and I’ve decided that I’m giving up blogging… what little I’ve gotten to do this quarter… until I feel less stressed and overwhelmed from all the school things being thrown at me…
you rock! :)

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I have been very overwhelmed lately and my to-do list today is a mile long! Sadly the only thing on there for me is a 6 mile run and some time with the boyfriend. I should probably start working on my tasks :)

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Love me some yoga! Helps so much! :)

Taking time out to pray and read the word helps me to feel so much better!

I have a really hard time saying NO. I need to work on that!

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I’ve been feeling really overwhelmed this week too! I’m starting to think that working so hard to accomplish new goals, and all of my “to-do” lists are actually making me neurotic! You’re right about taking a step back and thinking about why we’re doing all of these things. A little perspective always helps :)

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my fave part of yoga is the savasana nap you get to take for 5 minutes at the end of class. it’s got to be the most relaxing thing ever…I always worry that I’m going to fall asleep!

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Agree with Nicole! Prayer and some yoga does wonders!!

Also a good run helps me clear my head and pumps me up with endorphins!

I hope you are having a great day Janae! :-)

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I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed this week because I am getting ready to move 5 hours away and start my first big girl job. I always end up eating a ton of crap which makes me end up feeling like crap physically and then I get down on myself mentally about it. It just is a vicious cycle. So ready to get back into a NORMAL routine! :)

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this is how I’ve felt the entire month of February…but the big stuff will be done after this weekend, then it’s all up to God and afte…we shall see! but I freak and end up doing nothing until last minute…not smart. I’m a huge list maker though, which helps. and I always gotta watch some tv every night with a mindless magazine or surf the web.
btw, good luck this weekend!

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I’m feeling overwhelmed right now and even my runs are suffering. Good advice to take a step back – and that stress depends on how we view the world. Have a great race with your sister!

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