On the Goga | August 2022 Wellbeing Newsletter

pressing pause on

TRYING TO DO IT ALL AUGUST 2022 | WELLBEING NEWSLETTER

d to do it all, all of th e e n t ' e tim don u o e y

We know the feeling of trying to do it all and do it well. This month, we are diving into what it looks like to steward things well in life without burning ourselves out and over functioning.

AUGUST 2022 | WELLBEING NEWSLETTER

let's talk about...

OVER FUNCTIONING Pressing pause on trying to do it all

Over the past few years, we have been challenged in new ways - in our work, in parenthood, in our relationships, and social lives. These challenges brought creativity into our lives and allowed us to find new ways to work, to connect, and to pursue our passions. It also challenged us to do more - much more than we were used to. For many of us, we never pressed pause to revisit what our goals, boundaries, and expectations looked like. We continued to do way more than we were used to - leading us to patterns of over functioning. Over functioning can be defined as trying to over perform at unrealistic levels in various aspects of our lives.

Over functioning can show up in our personal, social, family, and work lives. Wanting to do our best is a good thing, but when we disregard our personal needs to work harder, perform better, and please others, it can become harmful to our own wellbeing. Over functioning for extended periods of time can lead to chronic stress, loss of sleep, and anxious thoughts. So, how do we know when we are over functioning? Symptoms of over functioning can show up differently for each of us, but some examples could look like: Personal Things you normally enjoy doing may feel like work or a chore.

Social You may avoid responding to messages that involve making plans or social commitments.

Family You may interact with others emotionally or with a shorter temper.

Work You may become stressed when something new is assigned to you at work.

AUGUST 2022 | WELLBEING NEWSLETTER

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So, What Can We Do About It?

OVER FUNCTIONING: PRESSING PAUSE ON TRYING TO DO IT ALL

Recognize

Awareness is the first step. Identify the areas you are over functioning in your life by using the four categories above as a starting point (Personal, Social, Family, and Work.) Get specific and write down which areas you are feeling especially stressed in.

Reflect

Pick out the ONE area you feel the most stress in. This is likely where you are over functioning the most. Make a list of any responsibilities you have taken on in that area of your life. Then, reflect on why you have taken it on. Sometimes, we make choices because we feel like we “should,” rather than making choices that align with our values.

Redefine

Take time to redefine what boundaries look like in this area of your life. Where can you delegate responsibilities, or say no altogether? Give yourself permission to ask for and accept help. Remember, saying no to others can mean saying yes to your wellbeing.

Reconnect

Take some time to reconnect with the small moments that spark joy in you and try to make them a priority. This could include making time for a nourishing breakfast, going for a walk on your work break, or spending time with your pets. Prioritize the things that help you function well and practice being present along the way.

Remember... it’s a practice, not a race to perfect. We all fall into tendencies that lean towards over

functioning at some point in our lives. It's important to practice developing awareness of these tendencies so that we can develop "guardrails" that guide us back towards healthy habits and help us avoid prolonged periods of stress. Invite a close friend or family member into this practice to help you stay accountable to your own wellbeing.

Looking for more?

TAKE THE OVER FUNCTIONING QUIZ TO DISCOVER HOW YOU MAY BE OVER FUNCTIONING

AUGUST 2022 | WELLBEING NEWSLETTER

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August 2022

MONTHLY RESOURCES

Login to your Wellbeing Hub to for a deeper dive into these monthly resources.

Time Some Time to Check In...

PRACTICING SELF CARE When we are stressed, self care can feel like a chore rather than something we enjoy. Consider reframing self care as something that you "get" to do, rather than something you "should" do. One way to practice self care is to take a few minutes to check in with your own emotional state and identify your practical needs. We created a few questions to help guide you through your own check-in.

VIEW THE GUIDE

August Global Workshop

WHAT TYPE OF WORKOUT IS RIGHT FOR ME? AUGUST 25TH AT 12PM EST

Which is better – HIIT or Yoga? In this month’s global workshop, On the Goga’s functional movement coach and personal trainer will discuss the benefits of different types of exercise and reveal the secret behind how to pick the right one for your body (and mind!).

REGISTER HERE

AUGUST 2022 | WELLBEING NEWSLETTER

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