How To Deal With Overwhelm: 8 Effective Life Strategies

We’ve all been there. How do we deal with soooooo much to do? How do we deal with the overwhelm that inevitably happens? We are working a part-time, or full-time, job; trying to get a business, or two, off the ground; needing to work on house projects but having neither the time or the money; dealing with credit card debt; seeing the bank account dwindling as the debt rises; trying to fit in relationships; wanting to eat better, workout and exercise; go to church; read a book; take more classes to keep learning more so we can improve our future, etc, etc, etc……Yikes! It can be crazy!

It can overwhelm anyone! And sometimes you just want to roll over and sleep or cry and you’re not sure what to do anymore, because it’s all vying for your attention. The overwhelm…it is exhausting, depressing, and can be paralyzing. What do you do when you find yourself in the middle of overwhelm? Try these 8 simple life tips. They might just help. And also realize, this overwhelm will be short-lived. It will get better and you will feel like yourself again. So keep reading for some tips and ideas on how to deal with the overwhelm.

1. Turn off your mind.

We can get ourselves tied up in mental knots with all the things we do, need to do, want to do etc. And those to-do’s are constantly swirling around in our brain. Sometimes our worst enemy when it comes to dealing with the overwhelm is our own mind. But that’s when we need to take those thoughts captive. Let all that overthinking, those swirling to-do’s, go. We aren’t helping anything by allowing the constant barrage of thoughts to freeze and overwhelm us. So turn off your mind. This will help get you to the next tip.

2. Pick just one thing to focus on for the day, rather than trying to get everything done.

This is kind-of a productivity tip but will also help with dealing with the overwhelm. Again, we can have so much vying for our attention, but if we make the conscious decision to choose just one task to focus on for one day, we can relive some of that stress we put on ourselves.

All those other tasks and to-do’s will still be there tomorrow, but give yourself this overwhelm break. Take one project and focus on just that project for the day. Yes, the normal routine will still happen, but allowing yourself to ignore all the other projects for one day will help refresh you and give you the needed break and help get you past the overwhelm.

3. Talk to your spouse or best friend about how to deal with the overwhelm or depression.

Talking with someone you love and loves you in return is amazingly healing. They will be your best supporter when it comes to dealing with the overwhelm. Be honest and open about what you are feeling, even if it sounds silly. It’s never silly or wrong if that is what you are feeling. Feeling overwhelmed, especially when it can lead to some depression, is very real. But talking about it can be so incredibly helpful.

Sometimes just hearing yourself and ‘word vomiting’ all those overwhelming thoughts can get you back into a right frame of mind. It can stop those swirling to-do’s and self-induced stress, by putting into audible speech what’s been going on in your silent mind. Don’t be afraid to talk to your spouse or best friend. They will listen. It’s not even about if they can give advice, so much as just allowing you to talk it out and get you back into a more peaceful, less overwhelmed, state.

4. Be kind and graceful to yourself.

You are not superwoman, no matter what you may try to do. We’ve had 50+ years of life. We don’t have to ‘do it all’ anymore. And we certainly do not have to beat ourselves up because we aren’t living up to some silly self-expectation. Give yourself a break. Remind yourself that you are awesome, regardless of the unchecked ‘to-do’s’ you still have on your list.

5. Treat yourself to something wonderful.

Maybe a pedicure, or a long hike, or seeing a movie, or meeting a friend, or even that bowl of ice cream. I don’t mean eat like crazy and overindulge, but allowing yourself a treat, a little luxury, or taking time for yourself will reap great rewards and help overcome that overwhelm.

Don’t be afraid to treat yourself. Remember, it’s time to enjoy life now, even the simple, small things. Those feelings of overwhelming craziness can begin to subside when we take a little time to pamper ourselves.

6. Celebrate the little wins and accomplishments to help deal with the overwhelm.

Rather than constantly looking at the big list of what needs to be done, instead look at all the tasks and projects you have already accomplished. And remember, all those little things you did are small steps toward the bigger goals. Celebrate the small details: like making your bed; calling that friend; sending that email you’ve been avoiding; affirming your self-worth to yourself; telling your spouse you love them; choosing that piece of fruit over the piece of candy; checking off at least one thing on your list, no matter how small.

All the little accomplishments can add up to a whole lot that you have done in a day. Another thing to consider if you are a perfectionist, like me. Allow yourself to be ok with imperfection or even getting it wrong the first time. It takes courage to do things imperfectly. Keep the following quote in mind when you are trying to get it all right!

“Work on progress, not perfection.”

Ruth Soukup

7. Take a day break to deal with the overwhelm.

There is always so much to do. Sometimes we can’t possibly think of taking a day off. But keeping that kind of mentality going will certainly add to the overwhelm. So allow yourself to just take a day off from all the have-to’s, should-do’s, and need-to-do’s and just ‘be’ for a day.

Life is worth enjoying right now. Appreciate your day, your time, yourself and your life. Don’t do any of your tasks that you simply ‘must’ do and instead, take the day off and go enjoy the outdoors. Or read a book. Or spend a long afternoon talking to your spouse. Whatever you need to refresh and rejuvenate. This will go a long way in dealing with the overwhelm.

8. Get some human touch and affection.

My final tip for how to deal with the overwhelm came from my very supportive husband. This one tip on getting a hug or a kiss from your spouse, especially when you reach the breaking point of overwhelm and tears, is so important and amazing. Don’t underestimate the incredible impact human touch can have on our mental and emotional wellness.

Stop all the to-do activity and give or receive that hug from your spouse or friend. Spend some time snuggling on the couch or in bed. Allow the intimacy and warmth to sooth your overwhelmed mind and body. Plus, this intimacy will keep that relationship spark from fizzling. Don’t let yourself be so busy or so structured that we forget the really important thing – our relationships with people, but especially our spouse. So go give them a hug and a kiss right now!

Life can be crazy and busy and can lead to some paralyzing and even depressing overwhelm. But if we can do some or all of these simple tips and ideas, we can get past the overwhelm and move back into enjoying our life. Try to remember these 8 tips:

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How are you feeling? Are you encouraged to stop the overwhelm and find your peace again? Hopefully these 8 tips will help. If you enjoyed this post, please comment on what you liked or what resonated the most. I’d love to start a conversation.

If you find our blog and articles helpful, be sure to subscribe below, so you don’t miss out on any of the good stuff. You’ll receive an update on new content sent right to your inbox. How cool is that! Cheers to you, fellow Gypsies!