5 Effective Strategies for Reducing Feelings of Overwhelm
Photo by Vlada Karpovich
Life can be hectic at times, and it’s all too easy to become overwhelmed by events or situations. You’re not alone in this struggle; in 2022, a survey revealed that over 70% of people were so stressed they felt overwhelmed by their lives. So, if you’re feeling like you’re drowning in the madness of daily life, know that many others are experiencing the same.
So what can you do about it? Everyone experiences difficulties in their life in different ways, and what works for one might not work for another. However, these tips have proven to be effective in helping many people make things feel a bit more manageable and get back on an even keel. So, give them a try with confidence.
#1. Take a Little Break
Even if you feel snowed under and like you’re drowning in everything or anything, stop. Take a break, even if it’s just 5 or 10 minutes. You need to put the brakes on and walk away to give yourself some breathing space and a chance to collect your thoughts and think clearly. Taking a break, even a short one, can greatly reduce the feeling of overwhelm.
#2. Just Breathe
Breathing techniques can help you calm down and think rationally. There are various breathing techniques to try, but by taking your focus away from what is overwhelming you and not something you can control at the moment, you can give yourself figurative and literal breathing space and prepare to tackle the issue at hand.
#3. Practice Relaxation Techniques
It can be extremely helpful to prioritize your well-being and look into some relaxation techniques that can help you relax and rest. Let your worries wash over you as you indulge in activities that bring you joy and peace. How you relax is entirely up to you. You might want to read a book, take a long bubble bath, book into a spa, buy Delta 8 Gel capsules, or have an early night. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
#4. Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out
There is no shame in admitting you cannot cope with life and things are getting on top of you. But keeping things bottled up won’t do you any favors. Instead, find a trusted family member or friend you can share your feelings with, or if you don’t feel comfortable doing this, reach out to one of America’s many mental health charities to talk to someone who understands and can help you make sense of how you’re feeling. If you’re worried about the cost of therapy, many mental health charities offer free or low-cost services. If you’re concerned about privacy, remember that these organizations are bound by strict confidentiality rules.
#5. Get Some Exercise
The last thing you want to do when things are getting too much and you are feeling overwhelmed is to exercise but it can be one of the best things for you to do. Exercise has many healing benefits, and far from it just being a good way to keep your body healthy, it is ideal for all kinds of mental health issues too. The reason is that exercise can release dopamine, which is the feel-good hormone produced in the brain. The more dopamine you release, the better you feel. So take a walk, go for a run, join a workout class, or head to the gym; it doesn’t matter. Get some exercise into your life and see how it can benefit you. It can boost your mood, reduce stress, reduce overwhelm, and improve your overall well-being.
These tips can be used by anyone at any time to help reduce stress and overwhelm. So why not start implementing them today? Remember, small steps can lead to big changes in your well-being.
