BY RACHAEL
I don’t think i’m alone in admitting that I have been feeling really overwhelmed recently. I have definitely found this lockdown the hardest & most isolating. I think the crappy weather is the main cause of that but also trying to juggle two young children, housework, running TMC & being a good partner, it can be a LOT. There are a couple things I have been doing whenever I feel overwhelmed or unmotivated & they have definitely helped! So we thought we would share ways to handle feeling overwhelmed, and hopefully they’ll help you too.
ACKNOWLEDGE THE FEELING
It is totally normal, especially at the minute, to feel overwhelmed. Whether you are trying to juggle working from home whilst home schooling children or just generally keep your head above water! Acknowledging and accepting feeling overwhelmed is a form of self acceptance. From here, you will be able to understand it and begin managing it.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE
Whether it is family & friends, or in your online space. Surrounding yourself with positive & supportive people is SO important! I am incredibly lucky to have such a supportive partner and immediate family. I am also lucky enough to work with the best people behind the scenes on TMC, we are always there with a supportive meme or to simply ask “how can I help you?” when someone is struggling.
TAKE A BREAK
When you feel that surge of overwhelm rising; stop, take a minute & breathe. Go for a walk, read a chapter of your book… whatever it is that distracts and makes you happy. Taking some time to yourself can really help you gain perspective on your life.
FOCUS ON WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY
Whether it is watching an episode of your favourite tv show, listening to a podcast, taking a bath, ringing a family member.. doing at least one thing a day that makes you happy can be the perfect distraction.
REMIND YOURSELF OF HOW FAR YOU HAVE COME
I know it is easy to forget but we are already absolutely SMASHING life just by getting through the day. I think it is so important that we all celebrate every single win, no matter how small and really acknowledge & appreciate everything you have achieved.
KNOW WHAT IS IN YOUR CONTROL
Acknowledge exactly what you are in control of; the housework, sure. That is all down to you & your household (unless you have a cleaner – lucky bugger LOL), but if you’re feeling overwhelmed watching live news updates every day – REMOVE IT FROM YOUR LIFE. That’s not to say to remove it completely but maybe start to only tune in once a week. Don’t actively go searching on social media for false news & rumours. Especially at the minute when everything is a waiting game. It is crucial to know EXACTLY what you have control over.
We really hope you enjoyed our post on ways to handle feeling overwhelmed. Do you have any tips?
Thankyou this is a great post. It’s been tough this last year and sometimes the little things can ground us again! A lovely reminder of how to refocus and reset.
I definitely get very easily overwhelmed, and so this post is very helpful! At the moment, everything can seem like too much on top of the pandemic. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Really good post! Focusing on what makes you happy and knowing you’re in control are great tips x
I love these tips. I am sharing with my step daughters who both have young ones at home.
This was such a great read and truly needed! I don’t have kids so can just imagine how it might be to juggle everything around and taking care of others on top! As you said knowing what’s under your control and leaving the rest is very helpful as well as having a supportive environment! Thanks for sharing x
Very inspiring and uplifting post. Really practical and helpful tips to inspire those who feel overwhelmed. Thanks for sharing this article, I hope it will many people out there.
Yup definitely some fab tips here. I agree that this lockdown has been the worst of the three! I was feeling a bit depressed and deflated before I started the Couch to 5K plan but now I genuinely feel so much better and I can’t even believe I’m saying that! 😂
It’s important to acknowledge how you’re feeling and have plans in place to conquer it, talking about it also helps xoxo
Thank you for this post! This lockdown has been challenging. I think acknowledging the feelings and knowing what is in my control is crucial. I’ve also been trying to find small ways to reward myself. At the end of the day I try to find a little time just for me to do something I enjoy. It has helped immensely.
This is great, I usually listen to music for a while or read a book and that helps me for a period of time but your advice is better for the long run. I also love your take on self-acceptance. You can only help yourself if you accept that you need help. Feeling overwhelmed is normal and we should accept that.
Thank you!
I think a lot of us are going through periods of feeling overwhelmed at the moment. Thank you for sharing your lovely tips of how to help 🙂
I have been feeling overwhelmed recently too and I think these tips are important to remember. Thank you so much for the reminder!
Esterella | esterella.co.uk
Beautiful post on self care for overwhelm! It’s getting to all of us. And I keep reading that it is not going to be over any time soon.
These are great tips. Reminding myself of what I have accomplished has helped me not feel overwhelmed also listening to my favorite song helps too. Thank you for sharing.