When your brain says “I don’t know,” but your body says otherwise.
Overwhelm is rarely just about a full schedule.
It’s usually about an internal conflict that hasn’t been named yet.
You say:
“I don’t know where to start.”
But what you might mean is:
“I’m afraid I’ll let someone down.”
“I don’t know how to do this perfectly.”
“I’m scared that if I slow down, everything will fall apart.”
Your brain calls it overwhelm.
But your nervous system calls it self-protection.
Until you name the fear, the chaos won’t make sense.
Because it was never about the tasks—it was about the cost of disappointing people, breaking patterns, or finally honoring your truth.
Mini Scenario:
You’re trying to write a simple email. But you start rephrasing it 15 times… Then you check your calendar, hop over to texts, glance at social…
Suddenly an hour has passed—and nothing’s done. Not because you’re distracted— But because the truth behind your hesitation is: “I don’t know how to be honest and still be liked.”
The Overwhelm Decoder:
- Pause the Panic – Stop mid-scroll or mid-spin. Say: “Something deeper is going on.”
- Name the Real Fear – Ask: “What would happen if I actually did this thing?”
- Notice the Pattern – Is this a people-pleasing moment? A perfectionism loop?
- Speak the Truth – Even just to yourself. Write it down raw. No editing.
- Choose a Gentle Action – One next step that feels true, even if it’s small.
Reflection Prompts:
- What am I pretending not to know right now?
- What’s the story I’m telling myself about why I can’t slow down?
- If no one would get upset, what decision would feel clear?
- Where in my life do I equate clarity with conflict?
