Overwhelm and the Neuroscience of How to Manage and Prevent it: How our Brains Work
- Our brains consume lots of energy, so to save some they create auto-pilot habits at every opportunity they get. When we feel overwhelmed - our little auto-pilot guy Mr. Basal Ganglia is saying - hey wake up, this needs more attention and that’s ok for short stints of time, otherwise we’ll get ‘burnt out’.
The moment you feel overwhelm creeping in. STOP and ask...what isn’t aligned? How can you make things easier for yourself? Remember, your health and wellbeing are counting on your reaction!!!
- Our brains are wired to help us survive, They prioritise seeing changes and taking note of distractions that pose as unexpected threats. What’s more exciting than a good distraction is an achieved task. I help clients get clear on why a goal really matters and how it will make them feel once achieved. Write up the 3-4 key things that will help you directly achieve your goal. When distractions come in, quickly jot them down for later, and constantly ask: is this thing in front of me right now, directly contributing to my goal? The more we achieve the better we feel, the less likely we are to favour distractions that get in the way of achieving.
- To best survive, we are wired to detect novelty (think, cat videos!!!). The Anterior Cingulate Cortex in our brain automatically lights up when we’re presented with information, contrary to what we expect. Develop set practices that limit distractions for specific periods of time, thus allowing less novelty in. Start small: 5-15 minutes a few times a day. Put phones on silent and choose an environment with minimal distraction so the brain isn’t triggered by the unexpected.
So in summary, to minimise the all-too-common overwhelm:
- Switch off auto-pilot, take note and take charge of the outcome you need
- Limit external distractions
- Create new desirable practices with easily achievable activities that nurture your reward feel-good vibe system that make us feel empowered, in control and able to achieve what we want.
