What to Do When You're Feeling Overwhelmed [Top 7 Things]

Last Updated: 

April 12, 2022

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There's a lot of things that can overwhelm you.

If you've recently moved into a new apartment, it's normal being busy as you unpack everything. While you're thrilled to get the place set up, it's still hard adjusting.

Or, you might have a loved one who is struggling health-wise. If you're taking care of them, it's understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed.

But, instead of feeling like you can't overcome it, think of ways that will help you cope. If you find things that help you feel better, then you can overcome anything!

In this article, we discuss seven things you can do to help you relax when life gets overwhelming.

1. Take a Timeout

Have you been so busy unpacking in your apartment that you haven't had a chance to breathe? If that's the case, take a break for a few hours!

Giving yourself time off from getting things set up in your new place will give you space to refocus.

So, engross yourself in a good book. Or, see a movie you've wanted to watch to take your mind off things.

When getting back to the task at hand, you'll feel eager to get more done.

And, inspiration may strike. All of a sudden, you have a solution to where the extra dresser will go!

Continue to take breaks to keep yourself from burning out. Most projects take a lot of energy, so don't be hard on yourself if you need to take a break.

2. Be Thankful

When you're feeling stressed out, it's nice to reflect on what makes you thankful.

It may not be easy, but it can help you get out of your head. And, it can help you focus on the good things in life.

Here are a few things you can do to stay thankful every day:

  • Start a gratitude journal
  • Cherish the special moments
  • Send out a few messages every week letting loved ones know you’re thinking of them
  • Show gratitude to yourself by acknowledging your positive habits
  • Look for good things that can come out of your circumstances

3. Stay Away From Caffeine

If you're a daily coffee drinker, it may be tempting to skip this tip. If you don't see yourself switching to decaffeinated coffee anytime soon, try to cut back in other ways.

For example, drink less soda or tea that's high in caffeine.

There's a valid reason why caffeine isn't advisable for you. When you're feeling overwhelmed, it triggers your "fight-or-flight" response.

It puts your mind and body in overdrive — which aggravates what you're feeling.

Caffeine also makes emotions run high. That means you're more likely to react negatively to some situations.

So, try to cut back on your caffeine intake or, if possible, cut it out altogether. Turn your attention to more herbal products, such as Kratom - Kratom Capsules: Everything You Need To Know (Dose, Safety, & How to Use) - instead, which instead of adding to your anxiety, aids it instead. You may be pleasantly surprised at how much it decreases the stress you've been experiencing!

4. Remember Your Triumphs

Reflect on a time when you overcame your anxiety.

Were you going through depression and found help? Or did you experience the loss of a loved one and worked through the stages of grief?

Remember what you did to cope with your losses and struggles and apply the same strategies.

So, depending on your circumstances, look to the future. Try to be thankful, as we discussed, and adopt positive ways to manage anxiety.

Do your best to apply what you’ve learned before. Doing this should make you feel less overwhelmed.

5. Text or Call a Friend

Having a friend to text or call can improve your outlook exponentially when you’re having a bad day. So, pick up your cell phone and reach out.

Or, even better, get together with a friend and do something fun. You can go on a walk or binge-watch a TV show together.

If you’re not able to see one another in person, you can schedule a Zoom session!

They may be feeling overwhelmed, too, and can share some insight on how they’re managing their stress.

Talking it out with someone who cares for you will help you overcome your anxieties.

And, at the very least, they can distract you by filling you in on how they’re doing. Sometimes the distraction is all you need to feel better.

6. Move a Little

Exercising is an excellent way to release all that you’re feeling. You’ve likely heard this tip before, but that’s because it really does work!

The reason why exercise is fantastic is that it forces you to unwind. And, you can healthily channel your feelings.

So, get up off the sofa and go on a jog or try a new class, whether it’s online or in-person. Or, go on a walk and enjoy some nature.

There are many options when it comes to getting your heart rate up!

You’re bound to feel better and have a more positive outlook on life!

7. Find Your Center

If you’re religious, saying a prayer can help you overcome what you’re going through. Praying to a higher being can help you release your worries and offer some relief.

Meditation is another way to focus your thoughts elsewhere.

Concentrating on the breath inside you and not dwelling on other things helps you find your center. And when you meditate, you’re more likely to let go of what’s causing anxiety.

Whatever you do to connect with a higher power, carve some time out of your day to make it happen.

Doing these things will enable you to work through what’s causing you to feel overwhelmed.


In Conclusion

Feeling overwhelmed isn’t a pleasant thing to experience. But thankfully, there are some things you can do to overcome it.

You’ve likely heard the phrase that “it’s okay not to be okay,” and that’s true. But, if you’re able to find some ways to cope — even better.

So pick yourself up and find things that make you happy or that make it easier to keep going. You may be feeling stressed, but in due time you will find some relief.

Author Bio: Adam Marshall is a freelance writer who specializes in all things apartment organization, real estate, and college advice. He currently works with Renton at the Lodge to help them with their online marketing.

Photo by Christian Erfurt on Unsplash

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