Tips and Quotes for When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

“Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it’s faced. “-James Baldwin

Overwhelm: to overcome completely in mind or feeling.

The feeling of overwhelm is something that I feel just about every day. There are times when I dread going to sleep because the thought of dealing with my hectic schedule of bus stop pickups and drop offs, work, kids’ dance and piano classes, sports, cleaning…you name it can be too much do deal with.

It’s been hard for me to find a healthy balance. I’ve turned into a habitual procrastinator because the thought of just starting a task makes my mind shut down. Especially when it comes to cleaning…most of the time, I don’t even know where to start. My thoughts would be loud and disorganized.

After letting things so for so long, I was forced to make a plan. None of my obligations were going anywhere, so there had to be a way that I could be more productive.

Helpful Tips

Some things that have helped me:

Write down your feelings to get to the bottom of why you’re feeling the way you do.
- I carry around a journal and write down my thoughts every day. It’s a way to organize my thoughts and acknowledge what my obstacles are and try to figure out a plan to overcome them.
Take a step back and take some deep breaths.
- Taking deeps breaths has a way of calming my nervous system and my body. It helps me not to go into a mode of panic. When I feel my heart start to beat out of my chest, and my chest start to get tight, I sit down and start taking deep breaths and it calms me down.
Pray.
- Sometimes talking to God and expressing my worries and fears has a way of calming me. When I’ve asked God to help me, He has.
Take frequent breaks.
- When I’m finally home and can tackle some of the laundry or clean my room that I’ve held off for way too long, I do small bits at a time.
Make a list.
- Lists have really helped me to organize my thoughts and priorities. If it’s at the bottom of the list and it’s not done by the end of the day, put it on the list for the next day.
Ask for help. I have hard time with this one, but I’ve realized that I am not superwoman and I need help sometimes.
Listen to some music or a motivational podcast.
- Music has a way of distracting me from my thoughts and helping me to work through my tasks.
Talk to someone.
- Sometimes it really helps to talk to someone about how I’m feeling. They may have some helpful advice.
Go on a walk or exercise.
- Talking has been one of my favorite things to do when I’m feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Walking has a way of helping me to clear my mind and burn off some of the heaviness from anxiety.
Evaluate and eliminate.
- I’ve realized that some things on my to-do list were just not a priority and they added to my stress. Sometimes I have to simply say no to some things so I can have some peace of mind.