Feeling Overwhelmed

The majority of people in the best of times feel overwhelmed with life from time to time.  Take into consideration what we are all dealing with during this pandemic, and that number increases dramatically. 

“Getting knocked down in life is a given. Getting up and moving forward is a choice.”

Zig Ziglar

When we feel overwhelmed with life, it is important we have strategies to help us cope with these feelings.  The more tools we have at our disposal, the better we will be able to deal with the negative feelings.

• Deep breaths – When you are feeling stressed out or overwhelmed, stop, breathe in deeply for a count of five, hold your breath for a count of five, and exhale for a count of five.  Do this a few times and you will feel the release of your stress.
• Take a time-out – Walk away from the stressor in your life.  Take a hot bubble bath, read a book, do a jigsaw puzzle, or crossword puzzle.  The important thing is make sure the activity releases your frustrating feelings.  
• Learn to say NO – This has gotten easier during the pandemic since there are fewer social responsibilities and invitations.  Just the same, it is important to be able to decide which events we want to participate in and which we will avoid.  This can also be applied to work obligations.  Many times we take on more than we need to and it causes us to feel overwhelmed.  Try and remember to “Stay in your lane.”

“You can’t calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass.”

Timber Hawkeye

Sometimes the feelings of chaos occur because we are not organized with our time and space.  Take time to clean out your desk, closet, or briefcase.

• Make a to-do list – this allows you to focus on what you need to do, and to help you not forget to do the important things.
• Create routines – Waking up to the same routine (exercise, meditation, yoga, etc.) will start your day right and help it to run smoothly.
• Be careful of time-suckers – Social media, TV, and video games can waste so much time.  Be aware of the time spent and keep it short.
• Look for opportunities to get things done – Think about the times in the day that you have “down-time.”  For example, is there something you can be accomplishing while waiting for a meeting to start.  
• Plan your time effectively –  Use a calendar or planner to organize and prioritize your time. Make sure you schedule time for yourself on your calendar.  If you don’t plan it on your calendar, many times it doesn’t get done.

 “Meditation helps me to calm down.” 

Lady Gaga

Perhaps the most important thing you should remember when you are feeling overwhelmed is to ask for help.  Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength.