Feeling Overwhelmed? Proven Strategies to Find Balance and Ease
Life can often feel like an overwhelming journey. The reasons behind this feeling are diverse, encompassing academic pressure, work responsibilities, relationship challenges, financial strains, and anxieties about the world and politics, among others. You are not alone if you are feeling overwhelmed. Combining these worries with the ongoing quest to establish your life and identity can feel like a daunting task. Fortunately, there are effective ways to manage these overwhelming feelings without compromising your mental health.
According to a 2022 survey by the American Psychological Association, more than half of young adults reported feeling overwhelmed most of the time. Additionally, 46 percent of adults under 35 admitted that stress often hindered their daily functioning.
It’s important to recognize the signs when you feel overwhelmed. These signs may include forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty focusing on tasks, lack of energy, racing thoughts, constant worrying, negative emotions, unusual sleeping patterns, and more. The good news is, there are coping mechanisms you can adopt on your own today.
Strategies to Cope with Feeling Overwhelmed:
Mindfulness Practices: Engaging in mindfulness helps you be present in the moment, reducing anxiety about the past and future. Try meditation, single-tasking, any form of movement, or mindfulness apps to incorporate mindfulness into your routine.
Breathing Exercises: Studies show that breathing exercises can effectively reduce stress and improve mood. Take deep breaths, focusing on each inhale and exhale until you feel a sense of calm. Alternatively, lie on your back with bent knees and head supported, practicing intentional breathing.
Identify Overwhelming Factors: Make a list of what specifically overwhelms you. This not only helps you pinpoint stressors but also allows you to outline actionable steps to alleviate the stress.
Focus on Controllable Elements: Shift your focus to what you can control. By doing so, you redirect your mind from stressors to actionable aspects of your life, fostering a sense of control and relief.
Engage in Activities You Love: Take time for activities that bring you joy—whether that means going for a walk, listening to music, spending time with friends, or indulging in a hobby. Doing what you love provides a valuable escape from overwhelming thoughts.
Feeling overwhelmed is a universal experience that affects everyone differently. What matters most is how you choose to navigate and cope with it. By incorporating these strategies into your life, you can find balance and ease amidst life's challenges.
Ready to prioritize your mental health and well-being? MSC Therapy offers specialized psychotherapy services for young adult women in New York and Florida. Mollie provides compassionate, client-centered, and supportive therapy to help clients navigate anxiety, low self-esteem, disordered eating, body image concerns, OCD, relationship issues, dating, school or career stress, perfectionism, and life transitions. Services are available virtually, allowing for convenient and accessible support. Reach out now to take the first steps toward a more balanced life.