LifeCoachAdmin
We all face moments when life feels like too much, stress piles up and it seems impossible to handle everything at once. It’s totally normal to feel this way, but what really matters is how we respond. Instead of ignoring those feelings, it’s important to acknowledge them and take steps to cope.
When I’ve felt overwhelmed, simple tools and small changes have helped me manage. Here are a few things that have worked for me—and might work for you, too—when life feels like it’s just too much.
We all deal with stress differently, and that’s okay. Learn more about the difference between feeling stress or experiencing anxiety in the Stress vs. Anxiety video.
Try MonSTRESSity, a game designed to help you cope with stress and anxiety in various situations.
Here are some strategies that have helped me deal with my stress:
Take a step back:
I try to pause and really think about what’s causing the stress. Sometimes asking myself, “Why am I feeling this way?” or “What exactly is triggering these feelings?” helps me see things more clearly. When I take a deep breath and look at everything from a little distance, it’s usually easier to handle.
Remember, it’s okay to feel upset. Acknowledging your emotions is the first step to dealing with them. So, if things feel like too much, take a moment to reflect. It can really help.
Be kind to yourself:
One of the hardest things when I’m overwhelmed is to not be too hard on myself. It’s easy to think, “Why can’t I just handle this better?” or “Everyone else is doing fine, so why am I struggling?” But the truth is, we all go through tough times. I’ve learned that it’s important to be kind to myself when I’m struggling. Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean I’m weak—it just means I’m human.
So, if you’re feeling like you’re not measuring up, remind yourself: It’s okay not to have it all together. You don’t need to be perfect.
Talk it out:
Talking about what’s bothering me has always helped me feel better. Whether it’s a close friend, family member, or even a therapist, sharing how I feel makes a difference. Journaling helps too, as it lets me organize my thoughts and understand what’s going on in my head.
Talking doesn’t have to be perfect. I’ve had conversations where I didn’t know exactly what to say, but even just saying, “I’m struggling” made me feel heard. If you’re not sure who to talk to, sometimes just reaching out to someone who feels safe can be a good place to start.
Prioritize relaxation:
One thing I’ve noticed is that when I’m stressed, I forget to take time to relax. But honestly, relaxation is crucial. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, watching a show I love, or even practicing yoga or mindfulness, finding something that helps me unwind is so important.
Relaxation isn’t just a treat—it’s a necessity. My mind and body need it just as much as they need food and sleep. For a relaxation practice to distract your mind, try out our digital Zen Garden.
Focus on Your Breathing:
You’ve probably heard this before, but focusing on your breath really works when you’re feeling overwhelmed. When I slow down my breath and focus on just breathing in and out, it helps calm my body and mind. It’s simple but effective.
If you want to try it, take a moment to breathe slowly and see how it makes you feel. There are also tools like the Breathe mindfulness tool that help guide you through breathing exercises.
Get Help
At the end of the day, everyone goes through tough moments, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. What matters is finding ways to take care of yourself and reaching out for support when you need it. You’re not alone in this, and you don’t have to handle it all on your own.
