The wheels are spinning in my head all the time – Justin Berfield*

We can be so hard on ourselves. Our minds feel active 24/7 and we just get on with things... keeping it under control. While our minds spin, we juggle commitments, jobs, being a parent, being a relative, being a friend, being a colleague and making decisions. It can leave you feeling a bit like a 'jack of all trades, master of none'. But when your wheels are spinning, it's important to push the break, and know that things will feel more manageable for it. 

We recently heard the term ‘brainado’,[1] which instantly resonated with us. Brainado is made from the words, ‘brain’ and ‘tornado’... brilliant. This word most probably sums up what every parent experiences at some point in their week, or day, or hour.  

We don’t have an answer for how to cure feelings of ‘brainado’, but we do have a few strategies to ponder that might help when things are all feeling a little fraught.  

• Take the pressure off. If you feel like things are getting too much, remind yourself you can’t do it all. Try to figure out what is more important and place your focus there.  
• Go with your gut when it comes to decision-making. Sometimes, asking people to help can make things more complicated. We all need to have people to chat through things with – this is important for wellbeing, but sometimes it can add to your brainado.  
• Put yourself first. This is so much easier said than done, but if you aren't working near your full capacity then it is hard to help others. Your wellbeing is the most important thing, even though you know you put everyone else’s wellbeing first.  
• If you feel your wheels are spinning, take a moment to slow them down. Breathe, pause, gaze out of the window. You'll get more achieved as a result. 

* Justin Berfield is an American producer, actor and writer.[2]  

References:  

[1] Naik. P (2022) Episode #5: Clean Decisions: Say No To Mind Drama And Spinning Podcast.  

[2] Official Justin Berfield website