By Susan deCaussin
Many of us feel as if the world is spinning faster, making our days blur together—a treadmill running too fast. This sensation often comes from overscheduling rather than actual changes in time or Earth’s rotation. I believe that understanding why we overload ourselves can help us find remedies to prevent burnout and the anxiety that accompanies it.
There’s a term that I now use to describe a person’s unconscious desire to fill every moment of the day. I call it “backfilling”. The crazy momentum of the world today seems to compel us to remain busy at all times. This, coupled with the fear-based reporting of pretty much EVERYTHING, has clearly accomplished two things:
1. It has triggered our body’s survival instinct, placing us into fight, flight, or freeze, and
2. It has distracted us away from the essential balance that’s needed between our physical and spiritual sides.
Let’s start with the second point first. When distracted into feeling that this physical existence is all that matters, a person can start to take life too seriously. They can easily get sucked into the rat race of constantly wanting more, having more, and winning at all costs. Life’s resources can seem limited, and a sense of urgency to “grab what you can” will inevitably create a fear-based mindset, which supports living in a state of lack. This is the perfect recipe for anxiety and depression, and it makes one feel a loss of control.
There’s a lot of noise in the world these days. By nurturing your spiritual side, you can restore balance and peace by reminding yourself that life is temporary and you are an eternal being. Empowerment comes from making choices that strengthen your energetic/spiritual bond. I’ll provide suggestions on that below. But, on to point number 1.
Your body always interprets anxious thoughts as threats to your well-being. This primal instinct keeps you safe. So, when you react strongly to what’s happening in the world or your life, you fuel survival mode, channeling all your resources to fight or flee. This is useful in a true emergency, but staying in this state for too long depletes what you need for health and wellness in body, mind, and spirit.
So, what’s the answer?
1. Stop backfilling your time. Consciously eliminate unnecessary activities. Spend some time each day in silence or stillness, through meditation or relaxation, to rebalance and reconnect with your spiritual side.
2. Find a spiritual community that fits your life now. As you grow, your needs may change. I use “spiritual community” because “church” carries too much baggage for me. Find a group that reminds you of your true power and lean into it when life distracts you from inner peace.
3. Avoid fueling your survival instinct. Eliminate negative influences: turn off the news, avoid negative people and conversations, and monitor your thoughts to keep them positive and uplifting.
4. Seek counsel from those who can help you to learn and practice stress-relieving and self-empowering exercises. Knowing and practicing these things can be like operating a relief valve, which brings about clarity and comfort.
Hypnotherapy can help restore peace and release stress. To learn more, please reach out for a complimentary consultation. Now is the time to slow down and reconnect with your spiritual self.
Susan deCaussin CHt
