Pausing in the Pressure
By Rachael Fernandes, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Therapist Intern
“It’s too much pressure.”
“I can’t take all of this!”
“I feel like I’m under pressure, under fire all the time.”
Have you heard those phrases around you before? Have you heard yourself telling your family or friends something similar? With the buzz of phone notifications, the loom of upcoming deadlines, and a tightening schedule, was there a moment when you yearned for more time, a break or maybe an escape.
We live in an immediate-gratification, fast-paced world. Pressures in our real life live on, multiply and swarm our social media pages. Making pressure seem all-powerful and active all the time.
Trying to catch the bus becomes a race. Running, swimming, and flying through the day, we try to complete our assigned tasks, manage multiple different roles and keep up with our responsibilities.
Underneath the Pressure
The song, “Under Pressure” by Queen, embodies society’s fast-paced lifestyle. Fighting to reach our goals or trying to get through a never-ending to-do list can make it hard to recognize we’re reaching burnout. The need and want to keep hustling and striving to reach the top can have costs when we forget to prioritize our wellbeing.
The Dimensions of Pressure
Pressures come from different sides of our experience. Being stretched and defined by the roles we play in our social circles, school environments, at work or home can make it seem like we’re being pulled a part.
The Disney film, Encanto illustrated the lasting impact of pressure with their song, “Surface Pressure.” Where trying to remain flexible despite a growing list of roles and responsibilities can lead us to the breaking point.
Discovering Diamonds
Anxiety, stress, and burnout have a common factor, pressure. Pressure ties itself to expectations, overwhelm, and exhaustion.
Where if channeled with support, instilling breaks before the crash, and building self-care practices, pressure can transform.
Pressure can isolate us in our dreams, obligations, and goals. Finding time and opportunities to prioritize health, connection, and small moments in the everyday can mean slowing down and taking a moment to have a cup of tea while you check the bus timings.
Looking for some support?
When pressure feels all-consuming and difficult to manage, take a moment to revaluate and reconsider your options. Therapy can help you build a rest station as you try to run the race.
Book a free 30 minute consultation and let’s talk about it.