You are not lazy, you are overstimulated: How women over 40 can thrive

[@Lifeinthewyldewest]

Yes. This resonates, deeply in fact. I often think of myself as lazy. Hearing that it’s over stimulation makes more sense. Thank you for this validation. When I first began to get deeply into social media, like deeply it’s crazy to think how long it’s been cause I began in chat rooms and MySpace 😳 I kind of don’t count that because at that time I didn’t have a smart phone on me at all times. Now it’s there at our fingertips 24/7 When that began I started to suffer from OCD, high anxiety and I began skin picking and I hate to even type this out however it’s the truth. I’m trying to be so much more mindful. I took IG off my phone (again) for the 5th time at least. I only just jumped back on FB for YT related things and I’m not sure how I feel? Anyways I could go on and on however I believe you are right❤ The things that fuel me are art, nature and writing. I must always be doing things like this to keep my mind busy. The moment I sit to relax for the evening the picking begins and the anxiety ramps up. It’s like a never ending cycle and what I crave most is peace and I can’t seem to feel it.

[@MindSoulGrit]

I totally get where you're coming from. As someone who's neurodivergent, I have to be mindful of my tendency to obsess over things, too. That's why I decided to use IG only every now and then, skip FB altogether, and focus on being fully present on KZbin. Honestly, juggling too many platforms would be way too much for me-I know how my brain works, and it would be overload! ❤

[@Lifeinthewyldewest]

@@MindSoulGrit feeling that. I may have to dip out of FB again.

[@beautifullifesageg.3951]

@@MindSoulGritI understand this. I feel a sense of obligation to communicate with people who reach out to me. When I’ve created a situation where many people are reaching out to me, I’m in for it! Right now, I’m okay, but I’m cautiously monitoring my time in platforms requiring that kind of energy output.

[@MindSoulGrit]

@@beautifullifesageg.3951 Yeah, you got to do what feels right to you. Health is wealth! 😘

[@JasenomadeTV]

Hye Joane, I completely agree with everything you said. It’s so refreshing to hear someone articulate what so many of us feel. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insights. 🙏🏼

[@MindSoulGrit]

Hey Jase! Thanks for being here! And yes, as I get older I feel an urge to simplify my life even more. 💙

[@beautifullifesageg.3951]

Now that I’m back at work, I’m finding I’m in a state of constant overstimulation. I have to figure out how to find the pockets of peace within a classroom of 25 children! Lol. I do work in quiet moments, but the energy used to get them there is Immense. Thanks for the relaxing video. Watching it was, for me, a pocket of peace. ❤

[@MindSoulGrit]

Thank you! I can imagine how tough that must be. I totally get it-sensory overload has been a big issue for me too. Even when I'm in a quiet space with not many people around, if I spend too much time on social media, I get overwhelmed. Does that make sense? It's like my brain just won't switch off, and I end up feeling exhausted in the evening but still can’t wind down. It’s awful. That’s why I’ve had to create a structure in my life to avoid getting to that point. With ASD and menopause, I’ve learned that being able to switch off and get good sleep is crucial for my brain health. ❤️

[@beautifullifesageg.3951]

@@MindSoulGrit you explained my experience exactly. But because of all the overwhelm form the outside, my iPad has become my safe, alone time. I need to change this habit somehow…this has been hard.

[@MindSoulGrit]

@@beautifullifesageg.3951 I totally get where you're coming from. When I'm trying to change a deeply ingrained habit, I like to research and experiment with new habits that might work better for me, giving me similar or even better results than the one I'm trying to let go of. I know it's easier said than done, but I'm naturally pragmatic and also pay attention to how I feel about the process. I find that I really appreciate the benefits of certain practices-like mindfulness, a quick 10-minute meditation, or even just lying down with noise-cancelling headphones and staring at the ceiling. These help me balance my nervous system, keep me focused throughout the day, and even improve my sleep. But I also understand that everyone is different, and for those with the hyperactive side of ADHD, these practices might be more challenging.