5 strategies for when you feel overwhelmed
A lot of people struggle with feeling overwhelmed but it is not uncommon. If you find yourself asking, “How do I stop feeling overwhelmed?” then you are definitely not alone. There are many ways to manage your feelings such as online relaxation videos and apps that you can use when guests come over. According to a 2019 survey of over 4,000 U.S. residents, conducted by the American Psychological Association, 60% of participants reported feeling overwhelmed by the number of issues that America is currently facing.
Stressing can happen to anyone and it can be triggered by a variety of personal and systemic elements.
Learn how to better manage your life, and take back your power and control. Though it’s not always easy, it can be possible to learn more skills in order to cope with overwhelm. Learning the potential root causes and their corresponding coping tips may help you manage your stress a bit easier, no matter what’s causing it. It’s impossible to predict what will overwhelm another person. However, many people find that mild and manageable stress is actually beneficial because it can release hormones and neurotransmitters which might help them cope with long-term chronic stress.
There are certain coping strategies that everyone can try to reduce the amount of overwhelming experience on a daily basis and in each stressful moment. Here’s what to do when feeling overwhelmed:
Reflect on the reason
Whenever you feel overwhelmed, it’s important to figure out the root cause. It might be as easy as being busy, but it could also be caused by other feelings such as anxiety or stress. The next time you have an overwhelming thought,ask yourself “What’s causing me to feel anxious right now?”
Once you locate the source of your pain, you’re that much closer to problem-solving and feeling better.
Accept your feelings
It sounds like you’re struggling with feeling overwhelmed and that this has been on your radar for a while. I can understand how difficult it is to process emotions, especially if they feel overwhelming. But focusing on your overwhelm isn’t going to help.
Have you been feeling overwhelmed lately? Many people tend to feel guilty or ashamed of certain feelings. But it’s okay to acknowledge your feelings and try not to push yourself too hard. Take time for nonjudgmental acceptance. This might help make you feel better about yourself and help reduce any uncomfortable feelings associated with the situation.
Practice mindfulness
Focusing on the present moment can be difficult when you have a million things to do. But it is all we really have, so make sure you are mindful of what’s going on around you.
Many people feel anxious and/or uncomfortable over the past and/or future, and a lot of practices can help to reduce that anxiety. Through mindfulness practices, you can tune out what’s happening in your life.
There are many ways to practice mindfulness, including:
- regular meditation
- focusing on one task, aka the opposite of multitasking
- movements, like yoga, swimming, or dance
- mindfulness apps
Incorporate CBD into your life
Did you know that CBD has the ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system that is only found in humans and dogs? This system is responsible for regulating our sleep, appetite, stress, pain, and much more. CBD binds itself to the endocannabinoid receptors in our bodies and helps to regulate our system. Having CBD gummies for your body will benefit you both physically and mentally in the long run. Make sure to take it regularly to see the best it has to offer. Many people report a calmer state of mind after a month of taking CBD. You can take this in the form of pills, gummies, and even oils.
Try some breathing exercises
A 2017 study among university students suggests that deep breathing can help reduce stress and improve mood. Science has proven the benefits of this technique for a long time, so it’s worth using on a daily basis if you’re experiencing anxiety or depression.
When used in a controlled fashion, diaphragmatic breathing can improve both your physical and psychological well-being.
If you feel yourself getting easily overwhelmed, try to take a deep breath and focus on each inhale and exhale. If you don’t feel like your breathing is natural or that it helps much at first, that’s not uncommon either. It’s okay to learn how to breathe more slowly & deeply through meditation so you don’t get overwhelmed.
It is important to listen to your body and help it heal when you feel overwhelmed. Use these tips to help you on your way.
