6 Ways to Overcome Feeling Overwhelmed

Constantly moving from one task to another seems to be the norm in today’s society. How often do we catch ourselves saying “I am just so busy!” or “I just don’t have time” or even still, “I am feeling so overwhelmed, I can’t handle this!”

Despite what we might believe, is feeling overwhelmed such a bad thing after all? We often equate being overwhelmed to being stressed - we are experiencing a lot of feelings at one time; the big and the small combined, are going on in our lives. On the positive side, it can be an opportunity for growth, and it forces us to pay attention to everything.

Perhaps it is more about how we respond to feeling overwhelmed. Do you get lost in the feeling of chaos and forget all that is important? Do you become consumed with fighting one small fight after another and feel as though it’s robbing your life of real joy? Or do you embrace the hectic energy that comes with it? While we all become overwhelmed from time to time, feeling this way all of the time can become a road block to leading the life you want. It robs us of the today and the bigger picture, and can make it hard for us to focus on what is important or allow us to prioritize our lives.

Feeling overwhelmed is bound to happen to all of us at one point or another. The key is learning how to cope with it and not let it consume you. Here are 6 effective ways to deal with feeling overwhelmed:

1. HOLD vs PAUSE – When we get so wrapped up in all the little details that don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things, we put our happiness on hold. Instead, press pause. Breath through it. Let go of perfection and think beyond a particular moment to what will bring you the most happiness in the long run, and focus on what you want from your life in general.

2. JOKER vs ACE– If you’re always choosing a Joker, it means that you just keep juggling as many balls as you possibly can - but you keep dropping them. Whether you see it or not, you’re so wrapped up in trying to keep all your balls in the air that inevitably those things or people who are important to you start slipping away. You feel less harmonious and the vision of your ideal, happy life moves further away. Rather than choosing the Joker, try pulling out an Ace instead, and consider juggling what you know you can handle, and juggling them in order of your priorities.

3. RUSHING vs RESTING – It is far too easy to get consumed by small tasks and errands; we keep plugging away, staying in what we know. This can often lead to mindlessness and overindulging, especially food, alcohol and other vices and habits that work against the goals and visions we have for ourselves. Yet, we can choose to schedule breaks - time with friends and family; technology-free days; preparing nourishing meals; meditation; quick workouts and, of course, a good night’s sleep.

4. HABITS vs RULES – It can be hard to resist breaking bad habits, such as staying up too late or checking our emails during dinner. It is easy for them to creep in when we are distracted and already feel stretched to our max. Protect yourself against bad habits by creating simple rules for yourself, such as going to bed and waking up at the same time each day; no phones or technology during (and even after) dinner; setting aside some time for you before the house gets up to do what you love. These little guidelines we set for ourselves can help keep bad habits at bay.

5. FLAILING vs FEELING – It is okay to express how you are feeling to others. We are allowed to say “No” when we need to and to ask for some time out. It is important to let people know that you are feeling stressed or anxious and need some time to yourself. If we don’t, then sometimes we end up feeling lost when things start to go awry, because we often become attached to our ideas of situations turning out a particular way, i.e. the way we want. But when we focus too much on the details, we hit a wall and can struggle to find the balance we need in our lives. Instead, focus on how you want to feel. Create space. Cultivate those feelings today - it will help release attachment to the smaller details while still allowing us to remain committed to what matters. 6. CHAOS vs PLANNING – Plan, plan, plan! Planning and organizing your life shouldn’t be seen as one more thing on your to-do list. Scheduling your tasks and activities in advance is an effective tool that gives you more control over your life and a sense of accomplishment. When we rush from one errand to the next, not only does your life get cluttered but so does your mind. Life is hectic enough, so make it easier on yourself. By planning your schedule, either by day or by week, you’ll have a better handle on your priorities and will feel more prepared and confident to face the day ahead of you.

When it comes to diet and exercise, we can help you feel a bit less overwhelmed and get started.

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