What can I do right now to alleviate symptoms of perfectionism?

What can I do to address feeling overwhelmed as a result of perfectionism?
Thank you for reaching out. It takes a lot of courage to acknowledge and seek support for our struggles. Perfectionism can be a challenging habit to break, and it can cause feelings of anxiety and stress. Here are some strategies that may help you address feeling overwhelmed as a result of perfectionism:

1. Recognize your perfectionism: Acknowledge and accept that you have a tendency towards perfectionism. This will help you recognize when perfectionism is driving your behavior.

2. Identify the triggers: Identify situations that trigger perfectionism in you. It could be a work deadline, social event, or a particular task.

3. Challenge negative thoughts: Perfectionism is often driven by negative thoughts such as "I am not good enough." Challenge these thoughts by asking yourself "Is this thought helpful?" or "What is the evidence that this thought is true?"

4. Set realistic expectations: Set realistic expectations for yourself and focus on progress rather than perfection.

5. Practice self-compassion: Be kind and compassionate towards yourself. Treat yourself like you would treat a friend who is struggling.

6. Seek support: Consider speaking to a therapist or counselor to help you develop coping strategies and address the underlying issues that contribute to your perfectionism.

Remember that breaking the cycle of perfectionism takes time and effort. It is important to be patient with yourself and celebrate small successes along the way. Please let me know if you have any questions or need further support.
 
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