Overfunctioning means doing way more than your share — at work, home, or in relationships — often at the expense of your own wellbeing. It keeps your nervous system on high alert and fuels stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Here are 3 steps to start shifting this pattern:
1. Notice Where You Overfunction
Ask yourself:
Where do I take on too much?
What would happen if I didn’t? Awareness is the first step toward choice.
2. Pause Before Stepping In
Before fixing, helping, or saying yes, pause and ask: “Is this actually mine to do?”
Small pauses interrupt automatic stress responses.
3. Support Your Nervous System
Gentle practices like slow breathing, mindfulness, or grounding help your body calm down and respond rather than react.
You don’t have to do it all. Rest doesn’t need to be earned, and choosing to step back is part of self-care.
Want support? My online counselling sessions help you explore overfunctioning, reconnect with your needs, and build practical micro-skills to manage stress.
