Look around you and ask yourself if this is really the future you thought you’d see when you were a kid. Heck, is it even the future you were promised? Unlikely, which is why it’s no wonder so many people feel overwhelmed. Whether it’s struggling to get by, feeling stretched too thin at work, or simply not having time for yourself, many people struggle to stay positive and keep their mental health adequate (not even good!). If this sounds at all familiar, perhaps it’s time to learn how to cope when you feel overwhelmed.
This is a contributed post.
IDENTIFY THE ROOT OF YOUR STRESS
Every time you feel stressed or anxious, there is something that has caused it. Finding the root of your issues can help you learn to anticipate, avoid, or overcome them if you decide to face them head-on. There are many reasons you feel this way. Perhaps you don’t get on well with a specific co-worker. Maybe you had a bad experience driving down a road one time. Whatever the reason, knowing why you feel overwhelmed gives you the tools to take back control and overcome anything.
ESTABLISH COPING HABITS
You can also consider various coping habits that enable you to minimize your feelings. If you know you react negatively to certain tasks at work, speak with your manager to get better training or a brief respite from them. You can also look at the benefits of journaling to reduce anxiety at work or home. Writing your problems and feelings down could help you identify a better way to deal with them.
GET ADVICE
It’s not always healthy to let your thoughts swim around in your head all day. You need to reach out and speak to someone about it. A loved one or friend can be there for you and offer their perspective, while a clinical psychologist can prescribe treatment and other measures that give you the tools you need to beat your anxieties or other issues.
SEPARATE YOURSELF
If you are unable to speak to a professional or use your coping mechanisms, you may benefit from separating yourself from the issue for a period. This approach can be beneficial if you have a family member who continuously tries to pick fights or argue with you about issues. You don’t need that kind of stress in your life and you will never change their mind. So, separating yourself and leaving the situation (if possible) can ease your anxiety.
DISTRACT YOURSELF
Although you may feel incredibly overwhelmed at the time, this could pass if you find ways to distract yourself. However, many people rely on crutches like smoking or having an alcoholic drink, and you will eventually find excuses to cope like this. Instead, look for positive alternatives like a five-minute workout to distract yourself anytime you feel overwhelmed. It may not work in all scenarios, but it can clear your head and give you renewed focus.
OVERWHELMING
The world is overwhelming and there isn’t much that many people can do to change that, at least not in the grand scheme of things. What you can do, however, is focus on learning how to overcome your anxiety when you feel overwhelmed. These tips can give you the nudge you need to take back your mental health for the better.
Overwhelm can feel so stifling. It can be hard to cope when things feel chaotic and out of control. I find that grounding myself through practices like yoga, nature walks and dancing or listening to music helps. Also talking to someone or journaling is great too. Great post. Thanks for sharing.
I love those ideas!