Feeling overwhelmed is a common experience that can strike anyone at any time. It’s the sensation of being submerged by an endless to-do list, pulled in multiple directions, or suffocated by mounting responsibilities. Having strategies to recover and regain balance is an important part of life.
What to do When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
If you’re looking for more ideas when you’re feeling overwhelmed, 31 Creative Ways to Relieve Stress and Slowing Down to Create a Life You Love will help you on your journey.
The first step is to stop everything.
You read that right. Stop everything you’re doing and breathe. It’s going to be okay. You’re doing too much without replenishing yourself, and it’s time to take a break.
When you try to fight your way through something, it can get worse. So pause, breathe, and say calming things to yourself.
You can keep trying to do it all without stopping, but eventually, you will burn yourself out. It’s time to take charge and get things under control.
They say that life won’t give us more than we can handle. I’m afraid I have to disagree. Sometimes, life can keep throwing curveballs at you on a continuous stream.
During times like these, we can feel paralyzed until things get so bad we have no choice but to start digging our way out.
Being an adult is hard. We are pulled in a thousand different directions, and sometimes it feels like we’ll never be able to get ahead.
It’s time to change all that. Learning tips from others who flow through life effortlessly will help the rest of us mere mortals go through our days a little bit easier.
Cozy Living Group
Since you found this article on feeling overwhelmed, I’m guessing you like all things cozy living. I created a Facebook group called Creating a Cozy Life with over 185,000 like-minded souls.
It’s a group where we share recipes, pictures of things that leave you in awe, and ideas on how to make your life just a little bit more snug. Join here to be part of the virtual cozy cabin.
Immediate Actions
1. Step Back
Physically remove yourself from the situation to gain a fresh perspective. It’s like pressing pause amid chaos, allowing you to reassess the situation calmly.
Whether it’s a complex work problem or a personal challenge, distancing yourself momentarily can help you see the bigger picture.
2. Take a Hot Shower or Bath
When overwhelmed, a hot shower or bath becomes a sanctuary of solace and rejuvenation. The rhythmic sound of water provides a soothing backdrop, offering a momentary escape from the day’s demands.
Showering or bathing will relax your muscles and calm your mind, ready to face challenges with renewed vitality.
3. Write it Down
There’s something so therapeutic about writing down what’s in your head on paper. Writing down your thoughts and worries unravels the tangled threads in your mind.
Journaling your thoughts is a therapeutic process in which each word becomes a stepping stone towards understanding. Writing not only externalizes your emotions but also grants you a sense of control over the situation.
4. Talk to Someone
Reach out to a trusted friend or family member for support and perspective. Sharing your thoughts and emotions with a friend will provide instant relief.
Through conversation, you can gain new insights and alternative viewpoints that will help you navigate the challenges at hand. Whether your seeking advice, venting frustrations, or simply receiving empathy, talking to someone allows you to lighten the emotional burden and feel less alone in your struggles.
5. Listen to Calming Music
Listening to calming music is like wrapping yourself in a warm, comforting blanket amidst overwhelming emotions. It’s a lifeline that restores balance and helps you navigate turbulent times with a renewed inner peace.
Physical Activities
6. Go for a Walk
Taking a walk is like a gentle reset for your mind and spirit. Stepping outside into the fresh air, feeling the ground beneath your feet, and observing the world around you soothe the racing thoughts and restore a sense of calm.
The scenery change, whether through nature trails or city streets, offers a different perspective on your worries and challenges.
7. Dancing
Dancing can be a powerful antidote to overwhelming emotions, offering a release that words cannot convey. Dancing not only revitalizes your spirit but also reminds you of the simple pleasures in life.
8. Rebounder
Using a rebounder, especially during moments of overwhelm, is a remarkably rejuvenating experience. The rhythmic bounce on the mini-trampoline offers a physical release that energizes both body and soul.
Mental and Emotional Strategies
9. Must-Do List
Make a list of everything you must do and start on those things first. After accomplishing each task, reward yourself with a treat.
You know the types of treats that motivate you, so pick something you can look forward to after completing a task. When I finish small tasks, I reward myself with these tea candies.
10. Delegate
You’re not an island. Recruit others to help you make your way through your tasks. Whether you hire projects out, ask for help via family and friends, or ask a neighbor for a family – now is not the time to be shy.
11. Learning to Say “No”
Learning to say “no” when overwhelmed is an act of self-care and boundary-setting. It’s about recognizing your limits and respecting your well-being amidst the demands of others.
Saying no allows you to prioritize your needs and responsibilities, guarding against overcommitment and burnout.
12. Limit Distractions
Limiting distractions when overwhelmed is crucial for regaining focus and productivity. By creating an environment free from unnecessary interruptions, you can dive deeper into tasks and accomplish goals more efficiently.
13. Set Realistic Goals
Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable tasks to prevent feeling overwhelmed by the big picture. Focus on progress rather than perfection, and celebrate achievements along the way.
Long-term Strategies
14. Get Organized
Getting organized is a powerful strategy for regaining control and clarity when facing overwhelm. By systematically sorting through tasks, setting priorities, and creating a clear plan of action, you can alleviate the sense of chaos and uncertainty.
When you’re organized, you feel more prepared to handle challenges and navigate overwhelming situations with greater ease and accomplishment.
15. Flexibility and Adaptability
Cultivate a mindset of flexibility and adaptability to navigate unexpected changes and setbacks gracefully. Being open to new solutions and learning from experiences promotes resilience and reduces the impact of stressors.
We’ve reached the end of Feeling Overwhelmed? Practical Tips for Busy Lives. I hope you enjoyed it.
Let me know in the comments below what your favorite way to relieve overwhelm is.
Be sure you join our Creating a Cozy Life Group. You’re not going to believe how amazing it is!
I created a pin for you below to add to your self care board on Pinterest to refer back to the article.
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Thanks for stopping by. I’m so happy you found us!
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Candice
Friday 19th of October 2018
Great Tips! Simple to Read. Thanks!!
Kelly
Friday 19th of October 2018
You're welcome Candice. Thanks for letting me know. Kelly