Dealing with Feelings of Being Overwhelmed

· Strategies for Coping ·

Date
May, 28, 2020

Learning to deal with feelings of being overwhelmed can be overwhelming in itself. But there are certain things we can do, to help ourselves when external (or internal) life events feel like they are getting on top of us.

Here are some of the ways I deal with feeling overwhelmed, that help me stay sane. But in the same breath, life has its up and downs and it’s our ability to deal with these high highs and lows, that can help us cope from one event to the next.

Breathe

Breathing is something we can control. We automatically do it but we can start to focus on it if we get into panic mode. It can help ground us and bring us back into the present moment. It’s particularly useful if we find ourselves worrying about the past or the future. There are lots of free apps available that can help us learn to regulate our breath and calm ourselves down.

Move

Our bodies were designed to move. But these days, we spend most of our time sitting staring at computer screens or pieces of paper for the majority of our day. Moving, dancing and singing (not all at the same time unless you want to) is seen in every culture across the world. It helps relieve tension and built up energy. It doesn’t matter how you do it, but it does matter.

Call Someone

Learn to call someone for help. If you can’t talk to someone you actually know, or you don’t want to, call a helpline. There are many organisations who specialise in helping people over the phone. Try to remember that you are not alone and even if someone is not there to help you physically, there will always be someone on the end of the phone if you just pick it up.

Ask for Help

Asking for help can be challenging. For me personally, I find it hard to step away from doing the things I love. Even when I started writing this paragraph, I took a break in the sun because I knew I needed it. If you love what you’re doing, it can be very hard to put boundaries in place to prevent burnout. If you find it hard to put boundaries in yourself, ask someone you trust to help you recognise the signs and help you make a plan. My husband is a champion at this, and for that, I’m very grateful for him and his patience.

Recognise Thoughts

Sometimes, it can be hard to work out what’s bothering us. But if we start to learn to recognise what’s being repeated in our thoughts, we might see a pattern. If we can learn to pay attention to what we are thinking, we have a better chance of working out what might be causing us to feel overwhelmed.

Get Outside

There definitely is something to be said for getting outside and reducing feelings of being overwhelmed. The photo above is from a small village in Samoa. The beach is unspoiled, there’s only one shop, and it would have to be one of the most beautiful places I’ve been in the world. Getting closer to nature in any form, has so many benefits, especially for people with very busy minds. But if you can’t get to a beach, then cycle, walk, run, head to an outside boot camp, or the local park. Worry seems to melt away when outside and closer to nature.

Music

Music can either bring us up or bring us down. For me personally, I couldn’t live without it. It helps provide creativity, give me the motivation to get stuff done, but most of all, it improves my mood. But it can be a double-edged sword depending on what I listen to. That’s where a choice needs to be made on of whether we want to bring ourselves up, or down.

Just Give it a Go

Everyone faces feelings of being overwhelmed at some point in their life. What’s important to remember, is that there are things we can do to help ourselves, and those around us. We don’t have to do everything at once as even one little change to our lives, can make all the difference.

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Gutidentity - Emma Bailey

Welcome to GutIdentity!  Following the sudden onset of Coeliac Disease and Microscopic Colitis, I attempt to discover if my Gut is in fact…. my first brain.  As strange as that may sound, it’s certainly not as strange as Autoimmune Disease!

This is my journey as I explore research, novel treatment ideas, and the unique makeup of the gut and how this affects my lifestyle.

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