Feeling overwhelmed is something everyone experiences at one point or another, whether it’s from work, school, family responsibilities, or personal expectations. But when life starts to feel too much to handle, and stress becomes chronic, it can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression. The weight of trying to stay on top of everything can create a vicious cycle that only worsens your mental and emotional state.
If you’re starting to feel this way, you’re not alone. Many people—myself included—have experienced the draining effects of feeling constantly overwhelmed. However, the good news is that you don’t have to stay stuck in this cycle. There are effective ways to regain control, reduce stress, and restore balance in your life. By focusing on what truly matters to you, prioritizing your well-being, and implementing strategies to manage your energy and time, you can break free from the feeling of being constantly overwhelmed.
Here are seven things you can do right now to reduce stress and regain a sense of peace when life feels like it’s too much.
1. Identify What You Do and Don’t Care About
One of the first steps in managing stress is to get clear on what matters most to you. Often, we feel overwhelmed because we are trying to juggle too many things, many of which are not aligned with our true desires or values. This is what I like to call “filtering your life.”
Start by reflecting on what you truly enjoy and what adds value to your life. Perhaps it’s spending time with your family, pursuing a passion, or having more time for self-care. Whatever it is, it’s important to identify those priorities and make them central to your daily routine.
Next, evaluate everything else in your life—those tasks and obligations that you feel compelled to do but that don’t really matter to you. Is it attending social events out of obligation, working on projects that drain you, or trying to meet others’ expectations? These are the things that contribute to burnout.
How to Implement This:
- Make a list of everything you’re currently spending time on and categorize them into things that bring you joy and things that don’t.
- Start eliminating or reducing time spent on the things that don’t align with your core values.
- Set boundaries and give yourself permission to say no to unnecessary commitments.
By focusing only on what truly matters, you create space for the things that energize you, which reduces feelings of overwhelm.
2. Get Organized
Once you’ve identified what you care about, it’s time to get organized. Chaos and disorganization can make stress feel even more overwhelming, especially when everything feels like it’s scattered all over the place. Taking the time to plan and structure your day can help you feel more in control of your time and energy.
A simple yet effective way to get organized is by using a planner or calendar. Write down the tasks that are most important to you and allocate time for them. This will help you focus on your top priorities and create a more manageable workload.
How to Implement This:
- Create a weekly to-do list with clear, actionable tasks that align with your values.
- Prioritize tasks based on importance, not urgency.
- Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
- Block off time in your schedule to focus on specific tasks and stick to it.
By organizing your life in a way that supports your goals, you free up mental energy and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.
3. Make Time for Peace and Quiet
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to get caught up in the constant noise—whether it’s work, family obligations, or the endless stream of notifications from your phone. However, constant exposure to noise and distraction can increase feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.
To combat this, it’s essential to carve out time every day for peace and quiet. Giving yourself space to unwind and reflect is crucial for mental well-being. Whether it’s spending a few moments meditating, reading a book, or simply sitting in silence, creating time for stillness allows you to clear your mind and reduce stress.
How to Implement This:
- Set aside a specific time each day to disconnect from the world.
- Find a quiet space, away from distractions, where you can recharge.
- Practice mindfulness or deep breathing during this time to center yourself.
The more you allow yourself quiet time, the better you’ll be at handling life’s stresses without feeling overwhelmed.
4. Try Out EFT Tapping
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, sometimes it’s hard to quiet your mind or focus on deep breathing. One alternative method to help relieve stress is Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tapping. EFT is a type of psychological acupressure where you tap on specific pressure points around your body while speaking affirmations. This process is believed to help release emotional tension and reduce anxiety.
For many, EFT can be a quick and effective tool to relieve built-up stress and recalibrate their emotions. It’s particularly helpful when you find it hard to stop overthinking or feel trapped in a spiral of negative thoughts.
How to Implement This:
- Find a quiet space where you can tap on your body’s pressure points (e.g., the top of your head, under your eyes, and on your collarbones).
- While tapping, repeat affirmations like “I am calm” or “I am in control” to release tension.
- Consider using video guides or apps that explain EFT in detail.
EFT tapping is a powerful technique that can help you realign your energy, especially when feeling overwhelmed.
5. Limit Your Options
Overwhelm often stems from having too many choices. The constant bombardment of decisions we have to make—whether it’s deciding what to eat for dinner, which projects to work on, or how to spend our free time—can create a mental overload.
One way to reduce this mental clutter is by limiting your options. Simplifying your life and reducing unnecessary choices helps you focus on what really matters, without feeling overwhelmed by all the potential paths you could take.
How to Implement This:
- Limit your goals and focus on only a few at a time.
- Avoid comparing yourself to others or trying to keep up with external pressures (e.g., social media expectations).
- Choose simpler activities or routines that bring you joy without requiring too much effort or resources.
By narrowing your options, you eliminate unnecessary stress and make room for more fulfilling experiences.
6. Create an Action List
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be easy to get stuck in the cycle of worrying about everything at once. However, the best way to tackle stress is by taking action, even if it’s just a small step at a time.
Creating an action list is an effective way to focus on what needs to be done without becoming paralyzed by the enormity of everything on your plate. Start by listing your most important tasks and breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps.
How to Implement This:
- Write down everything you need to do, but only focus on what you can accomplish today.
- Take one action at a time and celebrate your small wins.
- Reassess and prioritize your list daily to ensure you’re focusing on what truly matters.
Taking action helps you shift your mindset from overwhelm to productivity and reduces feelings of helplessness.
7. Give Yourself Permission to Rest
Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is to simply stop and rest. Many people struggle with giving themselves permission to rest, fearing they’ll fall behind or lose progress. However, rest is crucial for long-term well-being and is a key component in managing stress and avoiding burnout.
How to Implement This:
- Set boundaries around work and personal time, ensuring you have scheduled breaks throughout the day.
- Prioritize sleep and relaxation, especially when feeling overwhelmed.
- Engage in activities that restore you, such as taking a walk, doing yoga, or enjoying a hobby.
Remember, rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for mental and physical health. By taking time to recharge, you’ll come back stronger and more focused.
Conclusion
When you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, it can be easy to feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle. However, by identifying what truly matters, getting organized, making time for quiet moments, and taking actionable steps, you can regain a sense of control over your life. Limiting your options and giving yourself permission to rest are also vital steps in reducing the constant pressure that comes with modern life.
Remember, you don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Focus on what’s important to you, and take it one step at a time.
