Overload

Do you often feel overloaded? You aren't alone. There are so many activities competing for our attention today that even toddlers can be over stimulated by trying to do too many things!

When computer memory is overtaxed the computer hangs up. We have to shut down the offending program and reboot the computer before it will work again. When memory overflows too often, the hard disk becomes fragmented because the computer tries to compensate by storing little bits of files all over the hard disk. These fragments become more and more difficult to retrieve, and the computer slows down until it is "defragged".

The human person is something like that. Overtaxed people slow down and become increasingly paralyzed. When there is too much to do we feel torn in pieces like a fragmented computer. We rush here and there accomplishing less and less. Our lives are so out of order that we have no time for intelligent planning. Instead, we respond to a situation only when we're up against a deadline of some kind. Of course, some deadlines are forgotten, and that causes even more trouble. Overload produces messy desks and messy rooms because there's no time to sort the myriad of papers and other items that come pouring in every day. Things get lost or broken, and that causes even more stress.

When people are caught in the overload trap they usually neglect their health. There's no time to buy, store, and prepare fresh food. Chemical-laden, low-nutrient foods are quickly gulped down. Exercise time evaporates. Then high stress, poor nutrition, and little exercise make restful sleep more and more difficult, so the person becomes sleep-deprived and suffering increases.

At the same time, the person traveling the Overload Road often forgets to nourish spiritual health through prayer, spiritual reading, and meditation. It can be quite difficult for this Type A person to calm down enough to sit still and reflect. Internal agitation increases.

People who choose the Overload Road for themselves take their sons and daughters along that road with them. Many students today are so overtaxed with various activities and social commitments that they don't have sufficient time to do their homework. At-home practice work based upon daily lessons has always been an important part of schooling. Students need an opportunity to try things out independently before being ready for the next lesson. Students who aren't ready for the next lesson fall behind eventually. Then trouble begins. The student becomes anxious and paralyzed. Extra catch-up work, and even outside help become necessary. The student slides down the Overload Road.

The first priority in cleaning up any mess is to throw away the trash. Likewise, getting rid of useless activity is the first task to accomplish in straightening out a fragmented life. "Unsubscribe" procedures and junk mail files cancel unwanted e-mail. Saying "no" to social events, sports activities, and telephone conversations during work time and meal time is important in families today. Using the "off" button on the TV, VCR, and computer games frees up time for higher level, more satisfying activities. Exposing children to exciting games and videos just before bedtime is especially devastating because these activities stimulate the defense hormones and interfere with restful sleep.

The Overload Road leads downhill. The person who travels that road far enough begins to stall and disintegrate like a fragmented computer disk. Spiritual, emotional, and physical health deteriorate. The alternative to this sorry state is to travel the Wisdom Road, which always goes uphill. The signposts along the Wisdom Road point toward putting first things first. The reward at the top is a well-ordered, productive, peaceful life. Well worth the climb, I think.

Mary Sue Laing, M.Ed.
Resource Teacher, St. Ambrose School
newskill7@msn.com

by Mary Sue Laing, M. Ed., New Skill, Inc. Academic Tutor