While it might feel like the world around you has come to complete halt – that doesn’t mean your life has. Women in particular have been more overwhelmed than they’ve ever been before – faced with homeschool supervision, handling a ton of housework, trying to balance jobs, while also ensuring their families are safe. It’s almost impossible to stop feeling overwhelmed.
Because, it’s a freaking lot to handle.
And even when this pandemic lifts (please, please, please!) life is still going to be throwing us curve balls left and right no matter what we do.
So regardless if you’re reading this when you feel like you’re barely treading water, or when things might feel manageable – we have tips that will help you stop feeling overwhelmed so you can slow down and enjoy the time you have.
And, if you’re more of a video person, Elise recorded her tips as part of her Five Tip Friday series on Instagram. Give us a follow, and watch below!
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Do Less
It sounds obvious, but one of the easiest tips to avoid overwhelm is to simply do less. If you want to stop feeling overwhelmed, you’re going to have to become friends with ‘good enough‘.
Meaning, not everything has to get done. Not even close. And the stuff that you are getting done, you don’t have to get done perfectly. I know it’s tough to let go of that concept – but it’s true. You’ve just been so used to getting everything done perfectly and on time, that the idea of you “slipping” sounds inconceivable.
So instead, adopt the 80/20 rule.
Most people who put in 20% of the effort get 80% of the results. And in order to achieve the remaining 20% of the results, you’ll have to expel 80% more effort.
Does that seem efficient to you? No way.
So try to hone in on the things that REALLY matter. Not everything on your list does. Make easy meals. Run your project through spell check and send it in. Forget dusting and just make sure you don’t trip over the cat toys instead.
Do your best to prioritize what matters, and let the rest go for another time. Even though it doesn’t feel like it today, there will be a time where you have ALL OF THE ENERGY and you will feel prepared to tackle the little things you’ve been putting off. Until then, do your best to stop feeling overwhelmed by setting it aside.
Breathe
If you want to stop feeling overwhelmed quickly, the easiest trick is to simply breathe.
Yep, just breathe. It’s shocking how easily we forget to do the one thing that is most primal and basic to us. Take in oxygen and exchange it for CO2. All day. Every day.
So in order to maximize the benefits that breathing has on the brain, follow these steps:
Breathe in for five seconds. Hold for six. Breathe out for seven.
It’s that simple. This breathing exercise is going tio flush your system and bring some peace and harmony back into your body. And most importantly, it’s going to force you to slow down and stop feeling overwhelmed.
You can do this exercise anywhere. In the shower. In the car. On the phone with your mother. During a life coaching session when we are dishing out tough love.
It’s the easiest, cheapest, and most convenient way to stop feeling overwhelmed. So give it a try the next time your life seems to be spiraling.
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Disconnect
Literally. Unplug your shit the second you can.
Take a break from your laptop, desktop, television, news outlet, iPhone, Android, social media, texting, whatever. Just put it to bed. You need some distance and space in order to settle back into yourself.
One of the first things I did in March of 2020 when the pandemic came crashing down on our heads was turn my news notifications off. I know it sounds crazy – right when the news is all we should be watching to stay informed – I decided to drastically shut it off.
It wasn’t good for me. I knew the pandemic was bad, I didn’t need CNN telling me so every 30 minutes. Being reminded of just how awful everything around me was, would not keep me sane. They have stayed off for the entire year, and hopefully for years to come. The less “noise” I have in my life, the more grounded I feel.
So give it a try. Find ways to disconnect and focus on your own energy. You’ll stop feeling overwhelmed, you’ll be less distracted and more refreshed without the endless distractions.
Be Present
Whenever Elise feels anxious, she zooms in on her five senses.
What do I hear?
What do I taste?
What do I see?
What do I hear?
What do I feel?
This exercise grounds her back to reality and forces her to become mindful. It’s a brilliant technique because your brain isn’t able to meander back to the past or sneak into the future. And to be honest, typically the past and the future are what geek us out. If we stay in the present, usually we can figure out how to put one foot in front of the other.
It makes sense, if you think about it. If you are focusing just on the “now” – you are eliminating two other opportunities for your brain to feel overwhelmed. So if you wanted to stop feeling overwhelmed – it would make sense to take it easy on your brain and just focus on the present instead of on the past or the future.
A very easy way to practice being present (or mindfulness) is to meditate. Meditation is simply finding a still place to rest (typically sitting upwards), closing your eyes, and concentrating on your breath. That’s it. There are plenty of apps that can help with this if you’re needing help focusing (no shame there, I need them!).
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Change Your Scenery
Sometimes the best thing you can do for your poor little overwhelmed mind is to create a distraction. If a toddler is having a meltdown, what’s the easiest way to get them to settle down? Typically waving their favorite toy in their face will do the trick.
Our minds may not be all that different. So when you’re wanting to stop feeling overwhelmed, get out of your environment. Go take a walk outside. Breathe in the fresh air and notice what you see. Are those hummingbirds? Cute. Look at your neighbors having fun walking their dog. The wind is crisp today, feels nice.
See how easy it is to get out of your brain and into the world?
If for some reason walking around nature isn’t available to you (it might be cold, raining, etc) try taking a drive. Driving can be super relaxing when you’re not stuck in traffic or on a busy road. Take a few loops around to clear your mind. You’ll have to concentrate on something else (at least, you BETTER be focusing on the road) so it’s a nice break for your brain.
If changing up your scenery simply isn’t an option, then at least try to change up your routine. Go clean the kitchen and play music. Fold laundry while listening to a podcast. Get on your exercise bike and sweat it out. Just do what you can to distract and flush your brain so you can revisit daily life with a new perspective.
Remember – if you’re truly ready to stop feeling overwhelmed, it’s time to work with a life coach. Sign up for video sessions and unlimited chat so you can start feeling refreshed quickly!
