OVERWHELMED?! When to PUSH through or PULL back!

[@katiterry1200]

Your personality seriously lights up my day every time I listen to you. Thanks for being you, Cas!

[@lisam1610]

It amazes me that you can be so eloquent and helpful just off the cuff like this. Prayers for your family as you celebrate the life of your step-dad.

[@beverlyness7954]

Have you ever heard that women need 'putter' time? It's a thing for women and it's helpful to us. It looks like doing almost nothing or nothing important. For me it looks like organizing buttons, or thread, or pens, or craft supplies, or linens, or socks or my dresser drawer with the odd items - or doing all of those things. Each item I touch gets my full attention. I think it's some sort of a reboot for my brain and for the 'gatherer' in me to re-evaluate what I have. Now that I declutter all the time, it can also be about decluttering, but that's not the point of what I'm doing. In fact it's how I unwind when decluttering has become exhausting. I'm not in a hurry and there is no end result. I't's just 'puttering'. I can't get the same results sitting, watching TV or KZbin. It's low key activity. So women out there - indulge yourself and putter!

[@4mandysake]

I agree!

[@Blossom_Chops]

Over here in the UK 🇬🇧 we call it "pottering" & ur right it can be extremely useful. Now that I'm retired, I often wake up without a plan for the day, so I just go with the flow & see in what direction my body or brain sends me. It's a very liberating feeling & it can be quite surprising just how much u can accomplish 🤔😁

[@KarenKimmi]

Yes! I do this also, like watering & tending to my plants - needs to be done but no decisions...

[@NovasYouTubeName]

Wow thank for sharing - I didn’t have the worlds to put to that feeling and now I have the permission to putter ❤

[@diananore1368]

Yes! In fact I used that word to describe one of my days recently…and that was what I was doing.

[@karenrich9092]

When my husband died, the women's club at our church provided lunch after the funeral. SUCH A GOOD THING when 100+ people show up to pay their respects. If you divide the house cleaning among the whole family, it can be done in 30 minutes (minus laundry). I used to make laundry day my "active rest" as you call it. While the machines were working, I could read, watch TV, or any other item I enjoyed. When you're dealing with death, people want to help. And it is actually an act of charity to let them. For me, I give the grieving family a tub of my homemade spaghetti sauce that's freezable and in a disposable container, and then they don't have to return it. I donate money to events when I can't help out physically. And finally, cyber hugs to you and your family.

[@amandataub842]

I am struggling right now with depression, needing to find a new job, dealing with a toxic workplace, working on decluttering my things, plus just a million other things. So, thank you, Cass for this video.

[@d.gaither2181]

So sorry for your loss. Peace to you all.

[@pradheepag]

This video is a treasure. The overwhelm that a never ending to-do list gives is draining! Thanks for talking about this Cas🤗

[@wreacto]

We take a 24 hr break every Friday night to Saturday night for Shabbat (to cease) with zero guilt! Took us a while to relax until it became a habit. Look forward to it every week!

[@ClutterbugPod]

This sounds glorious!

[@reneewhittinghill3440]

I'm working toward that too. Growing up Saturday was the big clean the house day so it's an adjustment mentally. My body says yes, thank you 😊

[@FaithfulandTrue949]

Well done, God grants us rest, Jesus is our Sabbath we cease from conforming to the world 🕊🙏🏻

[@sarahquinones4478]

It wasn't weird. It was great. It was like getting advice from a friend, which is what I needed. Thank you for taking time to do this podcast.❤

[@ClutterbugPod]

It felt weird because I just rambled without any planning or sense or what I was going to say next...lol. I'm so happy you found it helpful!

[@myaccount9498]

​@@ClutterbugPodThat's part of why we love u & can relate to u!

[@StarsHollow214]

Yes, this was so relatable. Thank you for sharing.

[@paisleyduck]

I woke up entering burnout mode. Then I saw this podcast in my feed and I felt like you were talking just to ME during the entire episode. I needed this. Thank you. ❤

[@michellebates2576]

I'm so sorry to hear about your step dad. You're in my thoughts. I love your videos and podcasts. They've helped me so much ❤ You're so inspiring for this former extreme slob.

[@darcyfritts9325]

Listening to you complain helps me know that I’m not alone. The best part is that you didn’t just complain though, you offered up some solutions as well. So so helpful!

[@michellechouinard4958]

My problem is I'm an HSP (highly sensitive person), I have anxiety, and I get overwhelmed SO easily. Just having to travel somewhere, or have two appointments in a row for example, is enough to send me into perpetual panic until it's over. So yeah, usually I just have to push through because I have kids. I can't just NOT bring them to appointments. BUT I find if I can space things out enough, I handle it a lot better.

[@lylibu]

Me, too! I’ve had to learn about borders. HSP and INFJ, we need the breaks in between the noise of life.

[@lindokmo7968]

Your voice is so soothing & energizing. You're naturally a therapist ! Hugs from South Africa 🇿🇦 🤗

[@itchysheets1222]

I’ve always heard about active rest regarding fitness routines or off days from exercising, but this makes sense for life in general too, thanks for giving me a new perspective! Definitely like you too, I cannot participate in leisure unless it’s obligatory or everything else is taken care of-and it NEVER is, not for a multiple toddler mom it isn’t. So. This is good advice. I need to power thru and be ruthless with decluttering too bc the less BS I have to clean…the less I’ll have to clean.

[@AsaTorell]

My dad had a heart attack earlier this week. He got medical care really fast, and he is recovering well. Between this, my own medical appointments, and my teen having several school related activities, it was a crazy week (I'm a single mom). I kept the 'basics' going - laundry, dishes, pet & teen care (lol), and it felt so good to not be behind - thanks to having been at this decluttering journey for a while already, thanks to in particular the videos/podcasts from you, Dana, Dawn, and Midwest Magic Cleaning. I was able to drop things that could wait without guilt and without ending up in a mess as a result from it. I was even able to offer my mom to come stay with us in the guest room - the bed is made, it's a comfy room to be in - but not perfect, it has totes and boxes that need shipped to another child. But it works. It's usable. Even in a pinch. And the one bathroom is too. She preferred to stay at her place, but it was super nice to be able to offer it, knowing it was ready already, without having to worry or rush in and pick up or clean the toilet! Thank you.

[@TheObsessiveBookseller]

I do this too!! I recently read a fun book called “The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control” and it identified me as a “messy” perfectionist. Where I have all of these amazing ideas that I start but don’t actually have the time or energy to do them all. But of course I keep trying and then get exhausted. I don’t have a solution yet, but I’ve been trying to focus on just one thing at a time and reminding myself that I can only DO one thing at a time. Simplifying. I love your perspective on just choosing rest first.

[@annamurphy4993]

The timing of this video couldn’t have been better!!! I needed this today!!! Thank you, Cass! 😊 PS- I’m sending healing thoughts for you, and your family as you celebrate your step-dad’s life. 🤗

[@JRManess]

Someone gave me a poster that says: "A Lot of what weighs you down isn't yours to carry." It sounds like this isn't necessarily the case for you right now, but that same friend recommended to hide out in the bathroom - light a candle and hang out in there for 5 or 10 minutes when overwhelmed. Focus on your breath and the flame for a few minutes, then flush. Ha! (Well, that way, people think you're busy in another way and not daring to rest.)

[@emiliadalomba2151]

This is just what I needed today. It’s not weird at all. Took a day off. Was way overwhelmed and exhausted. There was no way my brain was going to function. I am glad I took a time out. Got some rest and a little productive at home.

[@camm8832]

I really needed to hear this right now. I am so burned out from my daughter being in and out of the hospital for months, I feel like I’m going to end up in one myself. 😢 Thanks Cass for reminding us that some things you don’t necessarily have to push for and that rest is prescribed and necessary! 💕& ☮️ from SFL❤

[@-Mieke]

❤🙏🍀🍀🍀✨️

[@KK-oe4xw]

I am a newish subscriber to your channel and I am obsessed. Last night I was listening to several videos while putting things away and it gave me great motivation. I finally threw away a once much loved holdall that has cracked leather handles etc. I have held on to it for years and thought many, many times of trying to repair it, get it repaired. It was the best feeling ever letting it go. Today I am exhausted and having a down day in my own grief journey. I was sitting while making lunch and feeling so guilty and ashamed but now I know I was actively resting. Life changing. Thank so, so much. May your Step-dad RIP. X

[@NovasYouTubeName]

Cass! Why are you always adding another plate to balance when you’ve mastered a challenge? Because that’s the way forward and up! That actually shows that you’re highly intelligent and motivated on a deep level! It is not a character flaw I promise you (although I know it is exhausting!)❤❤❤❤

[@staff2thecats]

At 1 minute and 15 seconds, you had already nailed it for me ( as always).

[@BNMC187]

Yes this is timely for a lot of people as obligations are coming up quick for holidays. I put this on while I’m doing laundry because it makes it a bit more restful. Another tip for busy times is crockpot cooking you can even make ahead freezer crockpot dumps if you know ahead of time there will be a busy time coming up and then the kids can dump it in the crockpot for you in the morning adding in however much liquid is needed (sharpie it onto the freezer bag) and 6-8 hours later dinner that’s not take out. Also never feel bad about having to resort to take out if you’re to overwhelmed fed is best. Delegate what you can and put everything else to the side. Please take care of yourself because the downside that no one really talks about with being overwhelmed and trying to push through is the physical toll it takes on your health.

[@sarahquinones4478]

In the short amount of time between getting ready to take my daughter to school and getting back home, I had so many thoughts run through my head. I have a tension headache and had decided to find something nice to listen to. I found this, and it is a relief to find someone who can relate.

[@craftdipper]

Very practical, helpful, to-the-point podcast. Thank you, Cas👍💞

[@FreeCuban00]

Cas is my to go to when overwhelmed and/or and trying to achieve something in my house 😂

[@ashleybashleyboo]

I think for people with ADHD the "push to the limits" mindset makes a lot of sense because we constantly are entertained by new stuff. It stimulates our minds. Speaking from experience as a person with ADHD who is now trying to pursue their masters. :| Great podcast as ALWAYS!

[@bellaluce7088]

Condolences to you and your family, Cas.❤I worked long hours under chronic stress for years because of my ADHD and an abusive shirker boss, and developed health issues as a result. Now that I have no choice but to do less, I so wish I'd felt empowered to prioritize & insist on a balanced schedule. We all deserve rest.

[@craftingexperiments-StellaT]

There is nothing wrong with you. I am just like you. Not only do I keep adding new challenges in my life (even when I am not really on a break) but I am also always trying to offer help to friends in need. There is nothing wrong with us. We just want to suck everything out of life. At the step towards death, we want to say "I have done that, I have seen this, I have experienced all the more I could in this life". We want to say we are full, we are whole. Yes, it is overwhelming but it is how our brain functions. I am never bored. I always have things I like to do. I do get tired, even more than others. But I can't help thinking that otherwise, I am wasting time. Isn't time our "Precious"??? Thank you, kisses from Greece.

[@JulieMoody8kidmom]

This was a great podcast! I love it! & I feel this all the time, too! I workout on my rower & do dishes while I watch your videos! Makes me look forward to those activities instead of dreading them! 😂❤

[@elizabethsokol2545]

I do that too. As a matter of fact, I was watching this while walking. It makes the activity so much more enjoyable.

[@glendaw5221]

Gosh I agree with you on the push. The one exception I would make is the chili. Take out. Forget that it’s not homemade. Also can you postpone one of the colleges til another time? Maybe the closest one for a morning or afternoon. I’m not in your phase of life so I can only come at it from a mama of an adult daughter’s perspective. I feel your pain!

[@DanaAnna626]

Thank you for being with my while I actively rest and fold laundry! Your voice is soothing and friendly, like we’ve been old friends for years. I tend to naturally wake up hours earlier than necessary on busy days so I’ve chosen to fold all the clean laundry that built up over the week. I said a little prayer for you that you can get time to breathe and through this busy time.

[@kattyhatty3799]

Thanks Cass. Despite your overwhelm, your voice is very soothing. Before you even mentioned active rest, I found myself slowly tidying the kitchen due to the cadence of your voice. Condolences and love to you and your family.

[@christinegagne4262]

Thank you for this! You made me realize that I do too much active rest. My home is clean, but there is no progress on the big things or much time spent having fun either. It's time to push forward a little more so I can enjoy some pull back!

[@cynthiabotsko2449]

What a great conversation! Even when we intellectually know the whole work-rest-reward thing is "fake news", we don't realize that we might have a subconscious belief that pushes us, maybe in specific circumstances too, beyond what is really necessary. Thank you! ❤️♾️❤️

[@beverlyselby9314]

What exhausts me is that I feel like I'm not fully present when I'm in overwhelm. Not really listening to kids or spouse while thinking about what I "should" be doing. Or wanting to play with family while I needed to stay on task. Making margins of time around events has helped me. Blessings and peace.

[@cyntave621]

Your words and thoughts are always inspiring. Thank you for being you and sharing.

[@nonnieTerri]

So well stated! I can spend hours puttering around the house. All those little things we do add up and are important.

[@annegroarke7567]

SO therapeutic Cas, thank you for finding the time to share your wisdom ♥️

[@allisonfike8878]

Thanks Cas! Great to hear others are in the same boat right now. I gave myself 10 minutes on coach with my feet up to listen to your podcast and it recharged and motivated me for a busy day! 😊

[@ellef4812]

Condolences on your stepdad. You're in my thoughts and prayers, my friend! Podcast was very helpful 👍

[@rosahinson2166]

For many of you with younger children who are trying to keep the inventory in your homes under control and considering these difficult financial times. Ask grandparents to help pay for dance lessons, music lessons, or sports expenses. Or maybe family members can buy memberships to museums or maybe other experiences. In the long run, the experiences will add more value to a child’s life than some toy.

[@sherryruddell3588]

I'm so very sorry about the loss of your father. It IS overwhelming to plan and execute all of these things. Please find some time to rest. We love you.

[@pennyarmstrong44]

Prayers to your family. Take your YOU time. Thank you for the great advice & thank you for being YOU!! ❤

[@dianabasinger731]

Somehow you manage to speak to my soul. You are GREAT at what you do.

[@abbienormall490]

Sat on my bed to watch/listen to this and thought active rest is a great idea. I’ve sorted out the clean washing that has been a pile on my bedroom floor for over a week. Thank you for your as always thought provoking ideas Cass. Love watching/listening to you. My thoughts are with you and your family.

[@trinabenyi8791]

I have adhd as well and only recently have been diagnosed. I'm nearly 50. I definitely relate to this but I tend to go in sprints. I go full out for a few weeks then get so overwhelmed and tired or burned out that I just say f it and crash for a week or two or more. Thank you so much for your much needed advice.

[@susanholding2809]

So sorry for your loss. I think when we loose a loved one, we sometimes take on too much to fill the hole left by their absence. Sometimes we need to recognize this and let a few things go so we can let ourselves grieve. Thank you for the wise advice.

[@robinkhan7468]

The hippity hoppity is dopamine chasing. Like the man who finally got the beach house but sits searching through the media for the next rush, not ever enjoying the beach. Prioritizing is needed, maybe only 3 tasks a day. A To-Do list is best done at the end of the day as one looks back at what was still needing to be accomplished. Living for the day is a must otherwise anxiety kicks in thinking of the future. And the living for the day is the time to fulfill the steps toward the future. Planning for the future of 10 years or even the end of life often gives a clearer perspective of what is most important. We are truly strangers just passing through and that often knocks aside what isn’t important of this worldly life.

[@monique.110]

This is so timely for me and my situation. 9 months pregnant, home not ready for baby, hormonal, feeling burnout. Giving myself permission for a quick cry, coffee and work, then lots of little breaks in between. Thank you Cas!

[@marywiggins7411]

Congratulations. Ask someone to help you get ready for the baby

[@michellecuevas5243]

My burn out looked like I just wanted to run away from home. It wasn't because I had a bad home, it was because I was so overwhelmed that I just wanted to quit. My husband completely did not understand (he is a bee) but I basically told him where I need to be is on the couch. And I stayed there until I was done crying and resting. At the time we had bio kids, foster children, I worked outside the home at a hospital and I was volunteering on several fronts. When COVID hit, it gave me the excuse to sit down and be quiet. It was so therapeutic. I did the bare minimum for my family at first, I am still healing but I am slowly getting back into life. And I am being very intentional about what I say yes too... I never want to feel like. I want to run away from home again. I am too important and so is what I do.

[@tammyrussell2169]

Thank you for addressing this! I recently have been close to burnout at work and would start crying at the next small thing I needed to do, feeling so overwhelmed like trying to move around under a wet blanket. It is so hard to figure out whether to push through the work or take a break - especially when Everything was an "emergency" and needed to be done NOW. I will keep this bookmarked for the times I need to hear this again! Again, thank you so much for this!

[@haidagirl626]

❤ Sending love and Aloha to your family at this difficult time. 💔 We appreciate you so much and I loved this! It was just what I needed. No scripts necessary!

[@Hellsbells888]

I swear Cass that l must have been your twin in a previous life (lol). I never seem to have time. I spend my spare time painting the house only after l have filled in my daughter's college applications, taken my Mum shopping, cleaned out the rabbit, cooked, baked, or helped my Mum's neighbours manage their garden. Give me a coffee!!!😂

[@jillychandler]

I do not know how you do all you do Cass?! I can not even get myself out of my home (only to walk my Madge about 4/5 times a day) due to my sever anxiety about leaving my home, and going out into the world. Have not been out since January 2020. You would think being at home all the time, I would keep the place spotless, but this is far, far, far from the truth! I just have very little get up and go. But listening to you Cass, and your ideas of how to tackle things, gives me hope. xxx

[@lisabourque1321]

Hugs to you, hope you have the strength to get all that you need done done❤

[@kalice119]

It was perfect, thank you, listening to your calm voice while ironing my clothes - so relaxing.

[@crystalatkinson5852]

It's like you know what's going on in my life! Holy burnout! I didn't realize that was what I am going through until earlier this week. Trying to figure my way out of it without letting my entire and life and responsibilities go to crap. Thank you for this beautiful perspective. You're the best!

[@cheriej211]

I’m sorry for your loss.

[@elizabethsokol2545]

Catching up on my videos because I took a "pause" for Halloween. Even the fun things I could be stressful because I was stressing out about missing the activity due to traffic or arriving late. I was feeling guilty because I didn't concentrate on decluttering and cleaning as much as I had in previous years, but I also have a lot less to declutter and cleaning is much easier, so I took "a pause" to declutter the books and dvds I didn't enjoy last year.

[@susangriner6736]

I have a cold. Watching your video reminded me that i can slowly fold laundry while listening

[@cherrylace3960]

Please accept my condolences on your family's lost. This podcast came at a great time for me. Thank you. I listened to it while putting away the last of my Summer clothes.

[@emotionalstability]

I’ve pushed hard this year to get my dream job on top of raising my two, young kids. This week, I decided to “pull back” and work one less day every week so I can have some “me time.” Thanks for this video, Cas! ❤️

[@PhoebesWorldProductions]

I have been in a constant state of overwhelm, for many years. .... I can relate.

[@florenceb1537]

Thank you! I needed to hear this...

[@lindseye2750]

Yes I can relate!!!! I appreciate you telling us I want to cry happy tears to know I’m not alone!

[@shoshannakoptev6691]

I think Cass is my spirit animal.

[@laurastorandt-yehle199]

This video is my life! I don't have ADHD but my husband does but it overflows into my task lists. I'm always in the need to push through mode. It's helpful knowing I'm not the only one that feels this way.

[@sburwell75]

After years of doing this asca teacher, retirement was quite an adjustment but my husband and I are learning to relax.

[@julie-elizabethmack9502]

So sorry to hear of your loss. I can totally relate to the nap thing.

[@HappyHarryX5]

Take care of your heart Cass/Yoda. ❤ Thinking of you going into the celebration of life. I needed this one. Thank you for saying that resting isn’t being lazy. Have had several years of stress, burnout and healing due to divorce and then depression this year. Boy it’s hard to get up and do things. I’ve taken on Dana’s phrase of progress and only progress to get me through the day. Spending either a few minutes or a couple of hours work done with a sleep is still progress and gets me focused on the positives.

[@cassandraroseschmidt3486]

Thank you, Cass

[@sorscha]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your stepdad. Thank you for this video.

[@TeezMystery]

Just what I needed today. I'm not alone.

[@4mandysake]

Great talk! Thank you. 😊❤

[@Kris-pw4gp]

Cass, thank you for another amazing podcast! You truly inspire and help me to see things differently. Thank you for sharing life with us...I know that your step dad's Celebration of Life will be a beautiful event and you will honor him well! Make sure to enjoy the way his life touched so many and how deeply he loved and is loved! This really was a different perspective on decluttering...giving ourselves permission to give up To Do's...you are so insightful and a true inspiration!! 💟 Blessings.

[@michellecagle8670]

I needed this exactly at this moment. I had tears streaming down my face as I watched your video. Just know that this was like a hug for me!

[@-Mieke]

❤🤗🍀

[@brendaspencer6691]

God Bless you Cass you are so helpful and encouraging!

[@beachprints]

18 years ago, I was at burnout. It took a long time to recover, and there were lifetime consequences. Even since then, I protect my mental health and my level of stress.

[@nadyakanarieva5973]

You're my spirit animal.

[@starzyk6897]

Thank you so much!!!! Love it!!!!! Love from Ania from Poland

[@lylibu]

Great podcast as we begin this new year!

[@rebeccawyatt7372]

Hi Cas! This can't solve your current busyness, but I would really encourage you to read/listen to The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. That book has totally changed how I view my time and the value of slowness and rest. The author is a pastor, and how he shares the biblical support for prioritizing rest is so convicting!

[@nicoleb-c8l]

I’ll just add, when you find yourself needing to give up rest because there are too many “push thru” tasks you can’t give up right now, block off some rest time in your schedule for right after so at least you can recoup before the inevitable next busy time.

[@elizabethwalker2051]

The overwhelm is what got me watching your channel. I had to do something about it and was looking for the tools to do it. Thank you!

[@JM-ou4in]

😂 Everything you described is so totally my personality. I don't know how to peace be still. Just gotta go.. gotta learn.. gotta do!

[@hannahbravo3970]

I really needed this. I started full time work recently and i have been struggling so much. I have chiropractor and therapy appointments and i have been sick with one illness after another as well as trying to keep on top of all the housework and the guilt of not being able to do it has been really tough. ❤

[@danaerakstad7924]

I'm sorry for your loss. Cattering is always an option.

[@katherinelauer4666]

Cas thank you so much for making this video. I'm so sorry about your loss. I hope you can find time to rest. 💕✨️ I so needed to hear this!! Ive been trying to clear out my garage from the rummage sale i was trying to do. Now that its already snowed one I feel really pressured to get it done. Well I was stopping at the grocery store before dropping off some more donations and I ended up having a full blown panic attack. It was so bad. So yesterday I did the nothing but hearing this and knowing i should ease myself back into daily tasks is probably a good idea.

[@christinen.6140]

It's true that your body will shut down if you don't take the time. I have severe sciatica right now and can't walk. So I'm getting really good at delegating, and learning to be okay with dropping certain things, as well as learning what I am able to do while bedridden.

[@emilyolsen7835]

OMG! Are you a mind reader??? Because, yes, exactly to all the things you said!!! Every weekend has been full with something that "had" to get done. And the guilt that comes with "just resting" ugh. Hope all your "must do's" go smoothly!😊

[@marciafirst2271]

I have been calmly listening to your video while actively pickling jalapeños-with gloves on, of course. Thanks for sharing-I needed this today!

[@shannonnursimulu6305]

As I listened to this episode I was leisurely doing dishes 😊. But seriously, I detest busyness and your load would be my nightmare. Please take care and get some rest Cas.

[@nancycerreta5629]

This I will listen to again. Gotcha!

[@love_kristy.s]

Yes❤ I don't have the ability to delegate! And The work around this house is crazy right now. How do you rest without the to do list is neverending. 😂 I just want a nap

[@lenawarelius4195]

Thank you for sharing 🙏 lots of love from arctic Norrway 🙌🍁🍀🌻🌹

[@jessandrew]

🧡Thank you for your frankness!

[@juliemoore6957]

Oh my gosh, girl! Your calendar made me hyper ventilate!

[@pameladawe4021]

When I’m in burnout, I remind myself that I’m not a transplant surgeon on call. No one is going to die if I take a 20 minute refresh - whether that’s an actual nap, a shower, or active relaxation. Or letting the house “go” a bit. My husband never feels anxious when the house is messy and we have company coming over - why should I?

[@Thebraddockhome]

Picking up my kids from school and I’m sitting in carline has proven to be the BEST active rest in my day!