Let Yourself Cry
- Crying may be one of the best ways to deal with stress. Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed, allow yourself some time and space for a good cry to relieve all of that pent-up tension.
In addition to providing relief from pain, tears also contain plenty of mood-regulating chemicals known as endorphins. In fact, scientists have found out that there is an increase in these powerful substances after someone cries. This could help people who suffer from depression or other similar conditions by regulating their emotions and feelings while reducing anxiety.
2. Write Things Down
Writing is a great way to take care of your mental health, especially when feeling overwhelmed by life. Whether you are doing creative writing or writing about what’s happening in your life, putting words on paper can help reduce stress and make you feel less overwhelmed.
3. Talk to a Friend or Relative
Talking to another person can help you process your overwhelming feelings. Trusted friends and relatives may offer a perspective you haven’t considered. Even when they don’t offer advice, having a compassionate listening ear can go a long way in reducing overwhelming feelings.
Sometimes, talking to someone is a healthy distraction from whatever is going on in your life. Laughing with a friend is a fun and healthy way to reduce your stress levels. Even if nothing is “solved” during your conversation, the break from your stress can help you deal with feeling overwhelmed.
4. Try Aromatherapy
Certain scents are known to reduce stress levels. If you’re experiencing regular stress that leaves you overwhelmed, invest in candles or oil diffusers for aromatherapy. Some fragrances can reduce the amount of cortisol created by your body. Reducing this stress hormone can reduce your sense of being overwhelmed.
Lavender, rosemary, jasmine, vanilla, and cinnamon are just a few of the scents that can reduce your stress levels. If you have a favorite smell like fresh-cut grass or bread baking. You can find a way to enjoy these scents, which can help reduce your stress levels, even if they aren’t traditional stress-reducing scents.
5. Re-Evaluate Your Situation
When we’re faced with a seemingly impossible challenge, it’s easy to get lost in the dark thoughts about how bad things might be. But sometimes, all that happens is just our brain imagining what could go wrong. Then extrapolating those possibilities out until they seem an inevitability. Which can feel overwhelming no matter if they’re actually going to happen or not! Instead, you need some perspective on your situation to not lose hope when life gets hard.
Often, figuring out why these pessimistic/overwhelming feelings are coming up for us at this moment will help bring them back into balance.
6. Make Time for Gratitude
Even in overwhelming situations, there is room to practice gratitude. Perhaps the nurse at the hospital was exceptionally kind to you. Or maybe you saw a beautiful bird out your window this morning. No matter what you’re thankful for, take time to reflect on the good things that have come your way.
Make time to express your gratitude to those around you. If you have relatives or friends who have helped you, make sure to let them know you appreciate everything they’re doing. Sharing your gratitude lets them know that their efforts are seen and appreciated.
7. Focus on Your Breathing
Taking long deep breaths helps you fight overwhelming feelings. When your heart is racing because of stress, focusing on your breathing can help you combat the physical symptoms of anxiety and feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re unfamiliar with breathing exercises, you can download apps on your phone to help you. Calm and Headspace are best known for their guided breathing exercises. Additionally, apps like Liberate, MyLife, and Simply Being can also help you focus on your breathing during times of stress.
8. Take a Nap
Naps aren’t just for kids! Taking a nap is an excellent way to give your body the physical rejuvenation it needs. If your physical exhaustion is lending to your stress, taking a nap is an essential step to getting back on track.
One of the best ways to get better from illness is through rest. Most people recommend only taking short naps, but if you’ve been feeling under the weather for a while, it’s time to make an exception! Longer intervals can help your body heal and prepare for what lies ahead.
9. Get Lost in a Book or Movie
Give yourself the gift of some time to get lost in a book, movie, or a good television show. This way, you can take your mind off things and then come back stronger than ever when dealing with them later on down the line!
10. Go for a Walk, Run, or Cycling
One of the best ways to deal with stress and overwhelming emotions is by exercising or just move your body. When you exercise, your endorphin levels increase, which can reduce some anxiety and make you feel happier.
If your physical limitations prevent you from getting strenuous exercise, go for a brisk walk, or walk around your home. Even simple stretches and a short walk can work for your emotional benefit.
My Conclusion is this:
Sometimes, when you are feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands and responsibilities, it can seem like there’s just no way to get anything done. The feeling of being swamped often leads us into a downward spiral curb; where we feel even more frustrated and discouraged. But the truth is that most people experience this at some point or another in their lives-which means you are not alone!
Sisters Network Southwest GA Chapter 