Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s How to Combat It

Have you ever been so overwhelmed that you felt like you were drowning in the sea of all of your responsibilities, and life made it difficult to enjoy the things that you loved?

I’ve felt like that sometimes. After giving birth almost 4 months ago, it was kind of hard to do things when I had the baby all day, and he wanted to be entertained or held so he could stand and see the world from a new perspective.

However, I was able to gain control and find a balance by implementing three techniques: establishing a routine, embracing early mornings, and taking regular breaks.

1. The Power of Routines

Establishing routines is one of the quickest ways to feel less overwhelmed. With routines in place, you’re left feeling like everything is structured and predictable. This makes things less chaotic, reducing the anxiety that comes with being overwhelmed. With a newborn at home, my husband and I immediately established routines to help keep us on track. Here are some tips for crafting routines:

• Prioritize Tasks: Determine what tasks need to be accomplished that day and designate a specific time to complete them. By tackling those essential tasks early, you’ll feel accomplished and want to continue with that momentum.
• Incorporate Self-Care: Remember to include time for yourself in your routine. Self-care is all about making sure you are well physically, mentally, and spiritually. Whether it’s exercising, reading, or enjoying hobbies, carving out time for yourself is important for overall well-being.
• Be Realistic: The first thing I learned as a new parent was that I needed to be flexible with the established routines. Life is unpredictable, and it is more than okay to have to change things up when necessary. The goal is to provide structure, not add more pressure and stress.

2. The Magic of Early Mornings

Waking up early has its challenges–especially if you are up late because of a fussy baby–but there is also a certain magic about it. When you wake up early, you are in control of the tone and vibe for the day. Here’s how you can make the most of your early mornings:

• Morning Rituals: Start your morning with something that brings you joy and makes you feel relaxed. It could be anything from drinking a cup of coffee, writing in a journal, or meditating. For me, I start with reading a book. It gives me inspiration and entertains me before I start my busy day.
• Plan Your Day: In the morning, you can use the time to plan your day ahead. Go over your schedule and prioritize your tasks. This level of preparation can ensure productivity and decrease the feeling of being overwhelmed.

3. The Importance of Taking Breaks

Most people believe it is counterintuitive to take a break when feeling overwhelmed; however, stepping away from a task at times can be crucial for your mental and emotional well-being. Here is how to optimize your breaks:

• Utilize Short Breaks: Include short breaks in your daily routine. Stand up, stretch, or take a brief walk. By moving around, you can re-energize your mind and body, diffusing all feelings of stress.
• Change Your Environment: If you opt for a longer break, consider changing your environment. Go outside and take a walk. Enjoy the fresh air and the great outdoors. This will improve your mood and alleviate stress.
• Disconnect From Technology: If most of your work involves sitting behind a computer all day, consider unplugging from the digital world. Turn your phone off and shut your laptop. Engage in some activities that don’t require screen time but do allow you to rest mentally. With these changes, you are sure to see and feel improvements.

In conclusion, feeling overwhelmed is something we all experience in our life, but it doesn’t have to control us. By establishing routines, embracing early mornings, and taking regular breaks, we can take back control of our lives and combat stress and the feeling of being overwhelmed. Remember that we all have different journeys, so find what technique works best for you and adapt it to fit your life. With consistency and determination, you can conquer feeling overwhelmed and create a balanced, fulfilled life.