Monday

Welcome to Monday! We’re beginning another week of self-care with:

• Ways to navigate the challenges that come with building a new skill

• What does it mean to be “overstimulated?”

• Science-backed insights to fuel your health 

• Ideas to calm down when you’re feeling overwhelmed

How To Navigate the Challenges of Building a New Skill

It can be super exciting to add a new style to your skillset — whether it’s professional or recreational.

However, the process of actually learning and developing that skill can be a little frustrating. But it takes time to learn something new. While you’re navigating that learning curve, it can be helpful to have a few tips and reminders.

First, remember that the talents and hobbies you have in your existing skillset were once new to you, too. Some things may come more easily than others. And that’s okay!

As you begin learning this skill, immerse yourself in whatever way you can — take a class, watch a video, read a book, and soak up that knowledge!

When you hit a roadblock, learn from others who have overcome the same challenges. Whether it’s a coworker, a peer, or a fellow hobbyist, lean on those who have had the opportunity to develop your skill and ask for advice.

And finally, don’t give up on yourself. Give yourself the grace to make mistakes and be patient. It may take time, but that’s okay!

What It Means To Be Overstimulated

If you’ve ever been in a scenario where you were suddenly aware of every noise, sight, and person around you, and it became so much that you felt like your brain just shut down, you may have experienced overstimulation.

As the name sounds, overstimulation happens when our senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell) become overwhelmed.

“It can feel like you have too many tabs opened on your mental browser and your brain doesn’t know what to do,” Lisa MacLean, M.D., a psychiatrist at Henry Ford Health, said.

We may experience symptoms with overstimulation, including:

• Anxiety

• Headaches

• Difficulty sleeping

• A rush of emotion

• Panic attacks

• Stress

• And more

Overstimulation can be linked with a number of mental health conditions, and those who are neurodivergent may be more likely to experience overstimulation. However, all individuals can become overstimulated at times.

When feeling overstimulated, it can be helpful to step away from the triggers or do what we can to remove them (more on that below).

If this is something you frequently struggle with, or when it happens it feels unmanageable, a professional can help you navigate these overwhelming feelings.

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How To Calm Down When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

Whether you’re feeling overstimulated or simply emotionally overwhelmed, it’s important to practice self-care.

Here are a few tips to help you feel calm when you’re experiencing those feelings of overload:

• Change your environment: This may include going to another room, putting on headphones, closing your eyes, and turning off lights.

• Sharpen your focus: Try to focus on one specific thing — whether it’s your breathing, a specific object in front of you, or even something mental. This can help distract our minds from some of the other things that are causing us to feel overstimulated.

• Voice your needs: If you’re with a loved one, at work, or out somewhere, explain your needs. Your partner or coworker may not know how you’re feeling unless you tell them. This can help you get your needs met — whether it’s some downtime, peace and quiet, or whatever else you need.

• Lean into mindfulness: Try not to let your thoughts spiral, and use mindfulness techniques to keep yourself in the present. Try some deep breathing or a 54321 technique to keep yourself grounded.

It can also be helpful to cultivate an environment at home or at work that is as calming as it can be to prevent overstimulation. Do what you can to reduce or remove triggers.

Most of all, go easy on yourself. There are a lot of moving parts in our busy world, and it’s okay if it becomes overwhelming. Just care for yourself in whatever way you need.

A Note From Us

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Expert Malcolm Gladwell claimed it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert in a new skill! However, other experts would argue that we can develop new skills in just a tiny fraction of that!

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Find one thing today that brings you joy, and do it!

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!