Feeling overwhelmed? Read this

With the state of the world at the moment, it’s no surprise many of us are feeling overwhelmed. At times like these it’s more important than ever to pull out strategies from your mental health toolbox. Here are 5 simple ways to feel less overwhelmed, whether it’s due to what’s on the news, your workload, family life, or a combination. I hope you find them useful.

1. Try simple thought stopping

Say to yourself ‘these thoughts are not serving me right now’.

2. Ditch the idea of scarcity

The world encourages us to feel as if we don’t have time – hurry hurry while stocks last! – which contributes to feeling overwhelmed. Become aware of the scarcity narrative and realise it is just that. A story you don’t have to believe.

3. Focus on what you enjoy

You will be more productive, and get on top of your to-do list more efficiently, if you line up with what is fun. If something feels challenging, put it to one side and try again when you feel more in the mood.

4. Who is telling you that you are overwhelmed?

The only person who really matters is you and what you are telling yourself. Become aware of what you perceive as outside pressures, and decide that you have the power to react to them. You have agency. Feeling overwhelmed is often about feeling you are not in control. But you are.

5. Ask yourself ‘what if?’

What if you didn’t manage all the tasks you set yourself? Perhaps something exciting could emerge, like a new way of approaching demands on your time. Play around with a new and possibly more fun future if you decide to do things differently next time.

I hope you found this blog post helpful in some way and I’m always keen to hear your thoughts – let me know over on Twitter @RachelKellyNet