10 Steps to Overcome Being Overwhelmed

Action plan to help you get from frazzled to back on track.

It feels like everyone you talk to these days is either overwhelmed or has felt overwhelmed at some point. Some of us may handle it better than others, but the feeling and the impact is still the same.

When the feeling of being overwhelmed starts to close in on you it can be very challenging to focus on a solution. However, focus and action can ultimately solve most negative situations in your life.

In today’s post, I’ll share some simple tips you can do in the moment and throughout the day that can provide the relief you need when you're caught in a wave of those feelings.

Here are some steps to move you from feeling overwhelmed to feeling relaxed, refocused, and recharged:

1. Breathe. It just takes a minute. When you feel overwhelmed give yourself some space by breathing. This will give your brain the chance to catch up to the moment and process information in a way that’s helpful.

2. Identify what is under your control. There’s little point to worrying about those things outside your locus of control. Determine what you can control and place your attention there.

3. Focus on solutions. Now that you know what you can and can’t change, keep your attention on finding a solution. Obsessing over the problem won’t accomplish anything other than driving up your stress levels. Time and attention spent on solutions is the best way out of your mess.

4. Create a strategy. Make a plan for putting your solution into action. Figure out what you need to do and put as much time and effort into your plan as you can. The more you do, the better your odds of overcoming your challenges.

5. Say no. This two letter word needs to become your BFF. If someone asks you to do something that you know doesn't align with your top priorities, and you know your schedule would feel overwhelming if you said yes, then don't do it.

6. Get your rest. Being overwhelmed is stressful. It’s important to get your rest and relax as much as possible. That doesn’t mean binge watching GOT or lying on the couch all day! Get a good night of rest and accomplish as much as you can during the day.

7. Eat well. Many people stop eating when they’re highly stressed. Others resort to eating a lot of junk. Neither is going to be good for you or help your situation. Maintain good nutrition during this challenging time. You'll can feel the difference when you feed your body good fuel.

8. Be mindful. Be thankful. Remind yourself that there is good in your life. Be grateful for what you have. Make a list of all the things and people you have in your life that you appreciate and remind yourself of just how fortunate you are.

9. Blow off some steam. Exercise, a night on the town, or a good party might be just what you need to burn up that extra energy. You’ll feel less anxious and have an easier time getting a good night’s sleep. If you’ve been working hard, you deserve a break. You can get back after it in the morning.

10. Celebrate your successes. Even a little progress is worthy of celebration. Be proud of yourself and get excited about moving forward. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel! This is highly motivating. One success leads to another.

Feeling overwhelmed is an emotion everyone is familiar with. It can be debilitating if you fail to address it properly. Give yourself time to switch off and disconnect from the daily hustle of life to do the things you enjoy.

As you choose to do more of the things you want and less of the things that don’t align with your values and goals, you won't feel so overwhelmed. It all starts with you and how you choose to live your life.

How are you going to start living with intention?

For a free download of this checklist, please click here.