Feeling Overwhelmed?

When we live with dogs that are afraid of the world, it can cause us to feel overwhelmed. This can cause us to feel sad, angry, frustrated and even depressed. Feeling overwhelmed can sneak up on us over a period of time, or a single event can cause it. We spend much time looking after others - our work colleagues, friends, family and dogs. But how much time do we spend looking after ourselves?

Do you know when you are feeling overwhelmed? It is important to recognise when we are feeling under pressure and to take action to help ourselves feel calmer. We must be kind to ourselves and not ask too much of ourselves or our dogs. We must practice self-care, prioritise tasks and ask for help. We can also delegate some responsibility and break larger tasks into smaller ones.

Here are some activities that may help us manage our feelings:

1. Start our day well; visualise what the best the day can be
2. Engage in a simple physical activity, such as stretching or walking [sometimes without our dog]
3. Practice mindfulness or meditation, focusing on the present moment. Practice progressive muscle relaxation by tensing and releasing each muscle group.
4. Write down our thoughts and feelings in a journal
5. Be aware of how much sleep we get and establish a good sleep routine.
6. Connect with a supportive friend or family member for emotional support.
7. Ensure we eat properly; this means eating healthy food regularly.
8. Switching off technology and spending time in nature.
9. Taking a break and doing something we enjoy, such as reading a book or listening to music.
10. Focus on our breathing or listen to calming music or nature sounds.
11. Making a to-do list to help prioritise tasks and breaking our tasks down into smaller plans
12. Practice saying No! to other people's needs.

​Feeling overwhelmed at different times in our life is a normal reaction. It is normal to feel sad, angry, and frustrated if it is in relation to what is happening in our life. Bringing a dog into our life is a significant change, and it can take time to adjust. We must exercise patience with our dog and ourselves as we make changes. We are exploring getting to know each other and how each other feels in various situations. It is important to go slowly. Trying to do too much too soon will contribute to overwhelming feelings. We may envisage a dog that we can take anywhere that will fit into our lives, but this may be different to what our dog needs. We need to go at their pace, whilst they gain confidence and resilience. The tortoise won the race, not the hare!