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Matt McTeague

7 Ways to Stay Grounded When Feeling Overwhelmed

Everyone experiences feeling overwhelmed at some point. Whether it's the pressure of looming work deadlines, a mountain of personal commitments, or just the general chaos of life, that sinking feeling can leave us feeling stuck and unable to move forward. 


Here are 7 simple and effective strategies to help you regain control and find some peace in the midst of the storm.


Create a list

Often, the sheer number of tasks and thoughts swirling in your mind is what makes you feel overwhelmed. The simple act of making a list can be very calming. It allows you to externalize your worries and see everything laid out in front of you. 


Once you have a clear view of all your tasks, they won't seem as overwhelming, and you can start tackling them one by one.


Change your surroundings

Sometimes, you just need to get away from your usual environment to clear your head. Go for a walk outside in the fresh air, find a new café to grab a coffee, or even just move to a different room in your house. 


Changing your surroundings, even for a short time, can help you feel refreshed and give you a new perspective on your tasks. 


Set priorities

Not every task is equally important or urgent. Look at your list and take some time to decide what needs to be done right away and what can wait. 

You can start with the high-priority items first to help you feel more accomplished and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things you need to do. 


Speak to a friend

When you're feeling overwhelmed, talking to another person can really help. 

You might find that talking things out helps you see your problems more clearly and come up with solutions you hadn't thought of before. Sometimes, just knowing someone is there to listen can make a big difference.


Take deep breaths

When you're stressed, you might notice your breathing becomes quick and shallow. To help calm down, practice deep breathing exercises. 

Focus on taking slow, deep breaths from your diaphragm to help activate your body's relaxation response, lower your heart rate, and calm your mind. 


Workout

Exercise is a great way to relieve stress. When you move your body, it releases endorphins, which are chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. This can help lift your mood and make you feel less overwhelmed. 

Physical activity doesn’t have to be intense; even a simple walk around the block can help clear your mind and reduce stress.


Be kind to yourself

Feeling overwhelmed is something everyone experiences, and it’s okay to feel this way. Don’t be hard on yourself for being stressed. Instead, give yourself some encouragement and understanding, with the self-compassion helping you feel more positive and resilient.


Don't just survive, thrive!

Feeling overwhelmed doesn't have to be a constant. It’s all about rising again each time you fall, renewing your mind each day, and handling life's challenges more easily and with more strength.


Want to learn more about building resilience and taking care of your mental well-being? Call me for practical tools and strategies that can help you feel better and live a happier life.

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