How to Deal with Constantly Feeling Overwhelmed

If you experience tension just thinking about your obligations, you likely experience emotions such as fear, frustration, anxiety, and perhaps even anger. You may deal with these emotions on occasion, but when they persist every day for several weeks or months, it's time to learn how to manage them.

6 Suggestions to Deal with the Constant Feeling of Overwhelm

Avoid getting entangled in the conflicts that an overstuffed plate brings. Instead, take the following actions in its place to assist you in managing those persistent feelings of overwhelm:

Look for the root of the problem:

Consider what is happening in your life or career. Identify the source of your stress and overwhelm by asking yourself why. For example, do you have an enormous project weighing you down? Is there something that can be delegated? If you can hand off the task, do so. If it is a large project, break it down into manageable steps.

Take a deep breath:

You may become tense and breathe in short, shallow breaths when you feel overpowered. Taking deep, slow breaths from your diaphragm can reduce your stress response. It will also enable you to reevaluate what needs to be done.

Establish Boundaries:

You should prepare for the possibility that you will let people down, but for your well-being, you should learn to say "no." Do what you need to ensure your feelings of overwhelm do not overtake you. For example, you may determine that you will not answer any email between the 9 and 10 AM hours so that you can focus on project work.

Ask for Help:

Sometimes, better calendar management isn't enough to combat overwhelm. Perhaps all you need to get through the day is a sympathetic friend or understanding HR staff. They can aid in regaining perspective.

Maintain a journal:

The advantages of journaling are numerous. One of them is to aid in clearing your mind to process ideas. Additionally, writing honestly about yourself will make you feel much better.

Put Perfectionism in Its Place:

We use perfectionism as an excuse to make some projects appear bigger than they are. Unfortunately, it also encourages procrastination, which means things pile up, and you are overwhelmed by the mess. Instead, use your boundaries to determine if you really need to take on a particular project or if someone else can do it.

Take a step back, evaluate the situation, inhale deeply, and ask for assistance to combat overwhelm.