“When things feel overwhelming, take a moment to reflect, and you’ll soon be back on track,” says Harriet Griffey, author of “When it’s all too much” for Wellness Journal magazine. Griffey explains that even when we are prepared and organized, there are going to be times where we feel overwhelmed. We’re humans, and it’s a human emotion. It’s nothing to be ashamed of — everyone deals with it. “We may pride ourselves on our ability to juggle, to be constantly available and on top of things, but this can sometimes mask underlying anxiety, or an inability to delegate or just say no,” explains Griffey. What you can control is how you react. What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Here are some ways in which you can deal with things when it’s all too much.
Strike a Balance
We often pack our days with pressing tasks, leaving us feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish everything. Having an emotional reaction to one of the things on our to-do list can also leave us feeling overwhelmed. “But regardless of what causes these feelings, the trick is to be self-aware, to recognize things are mounting up, and take a step back rather than get to a point where it’s all too much,” Griffey says. The key here is to find a balance. Figure out your priorities and goals and create a balance between them. Leave out things that aren’t important to you, and don’t be afraid to say no to something that you don’t want. Griffey also says that making comparisons between yourself and those around you is unhelpful because everyone’s balance looks different. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, says Griffey, “just pause, think it through, and put one foot in front of the other until the task is done.”
A Helping Hand
Some people have this problem more than others, but everyone struggles with asking for help at times. “Perhaps we’re worried about seeming incapable, or fear being refused, but often a task that feels overwhelming could be easier to face with a little aid,” says Griffey. “Knowing when you need support isn’t a sign of weakness; it shows that you know your own strengths and those of others around you. Many people will do what they can to help — and you might be able to reciprocate at some point.” It’s unrealistic to expect yourself to do everything on your own. Asking for help is vital to stopping feelings of being overwhelmed.
Arbor behavioral Healthcare is here to help you when things feel like it’s all too much. We have the programs you need to be successful in your recovery. Call us today at 844-413-2690. We can’t wait to hear from you!