What to Do When You're Feeling Overwhelmed, and How to Manage It
Feeling overwhelmed is not a great feeling. Overwhelm can happen to anyone, and it's important to know how to handle it when it does. Here are some strategies for managing overwhelming feelings:
Take a break
When you're feeling overwhelmed, the best thing you can do is take a break. Step away from the situation or task that's causing you to feel overwhelmed and give yourself some time to relax and recharge. Taking a walk, listening to music, or reading a book can be a great way to clear your head and reduce stress.
Prioritize your tasks
Feeling overwhelmed often comes from having too much on your plate. Take a look at your to-do list and prioritize the tasks that are most important. It's also important to set realistic deadlines and break large tasks into smaller ones.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and focusing on your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. This can help you to feel more in control of your emotions and reduce stress. Try mindfulness exercises such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.
Seek support
It's important to have a support system when you're feeling overwhelmed. Reach out to friends or family members and talk about what's going on. You can also seek professional help from a therapist or counselor.
Make time for self-care
Self-care is important for managing overwhelming feelings. Take time to do things that make you feel good, such as exercise, spending time in nature, or taking a relaxing bath. During times of overwhelm, you might tell yourself that you don’t have time for self-care, so please know that it is during this very time that you need to prioritize self-care the most!
Learn to say no
Sometimes feeling overwhelmed comes from taking on too many responsibilities. It's important to learn to say no to things that you don't have the time or energy for. Saying no to non-essential tasks can help to reduce stress and make you feel more in control. Learn to say no without feeling guilty.
Develop a routine
Developing a routine can help to reduce stress and make you feel more in control. Having a routine can help you to stay on track with your tasks, and ensure that you have enough time for self-care and relaxation.
Identify the source of overwhelm
Overwhelm can have multiple sources, it could be work, family, relationships, or personal issues. Identifying the source of your overwhelm can help you to focus on the right solution, and also help you to understand why you feel the way you do. Once you’ve identified the source, take action to address it.
Feeling overwhelmed can be distressing, so it’s important to know that you have the power to address (and prevent) cycles of overwhelm. By taking a break, prioritizing your tasks, practicing mindfulness, seeking support, making time for self-care, learning to say no, developing a routine, and identifying the source of your overwhelm, you can learn to manage and reduce overwhelming feelings. Remember that it's okay to not have everything together all the time and it's okay to ask for help.
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