Feeling Overwhelmed? You Are Not Alone!

September came with a bang. Not exactly the kind I would be looking forward to but I cannot let it slide just like that. Feelings and emotions are so powerful that we have to find a way to deal with it, instead of running away from it. That’s exactly what happened to me this week. I felt really low and overwhelmed for no obvious reasons. Maybe I was being emotionally drained while I was trying to keep up with others that I overlooked my own mental health. You don’t need to be dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, mental illness, heartbroken, trauma or even grieving, sometimes you just feel bad. And that is totally okay.

“The individual has always to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

Knowing that you are not alone when you are having a mental breakdown feels good. When you have a good support system wanting and making sure that you feel better, it helps. But sometimes, you just have to lift yourself up even when others couldn’t do that for you. Being a perfectionist myself, I know I don’t need anyone to bombard me with anything but my own flow of thoughts that would drag me down eventually. I’ve been trying to keep myself busy throughout the lockdown, but I think at times like this I just need to take a break from everything and just focus on myself.

Feeling overwhelmed is not really a good feeling. Nothing that people say can help you out instantly. However, you don’t have to feel stuck or act tough. You do matter because if not, you won’t feel overwhelmed trying to juggle everything that is on your plate right now. We all have been there. Feeling a little low at some point in life. But it’s interesting to see how different we are from each other and how differently we cope with our own feelings. If you feeling overwhelmed, know that you are not alone.

1. Take an emotional break.

First things first. Believe that you are loved, worthy and capable even when things are a little confusing or painful at the moment. You just feel a little off right now but trust me when I say you’ll feel better with time. Ditch your routine if you are feeling stuck or when your daily habits become too monotonous. Try to relax more and listen to what your mind has to say. Listen to music if you need some sort of emotional support without anyone being present. This might even help. Cry if you need to. Let whatever that is holding you down out. And if you think social media is draining you too, take a break from it and come back only when you feel good about yourself.

2. Take a physical break.

Sometimes you just need some time off your busy schedule or a routine that is weighing you down. Take a stroll when you feel overwhelmed. Get some sun in. Your body might even crave for some vitamin D right now and that could be the reason why you are feeling a little low. Cool off your busy mind for a bit before you come back to whatever that you are dealing with. Try working out or do a yoga to calm your thoughts a little. Reading a book that is not too heavy could be another alternative for some. Even better, try catching up some really good movies that you’ve been putting off lately. Make some time for self care because it is essential.

3. Talk to a friend.

Feel free to pour out your feelings to those that you are really comfortable with. It could be a friend, you parent, significant other, or even a total stranger who is willing to listen to whatever that you have to say. Try reaching out to people if you think you need some help. It is totally okay to ask for help at times like this. This is normal. Everyone has or will go through a mental breakdown in any point of their life. Especially when you’ve been isolating yourself for too long, this venting might actually feel good after all. For some, this kind of social support might help tremendously towards their own coping mechanisms.

4. Let your feelings flow into words.

If nothing works, try writing or journaling your thoughts into words. This might even work for some. Speak your mind out to feel lighter. You don’t really have to write a whole page. Sometimes even a paragraph or just a sentence would suffice. Before blogging, I use to have a diary to channel my thoughts. Now, I am definitely still journaling. Just not as much as I should. Journaling helps to control your mood and prioritize problems, fears and concerns. When you can express yourself freely, this might even be a huge relief for your mental well-being in the long run. Plus, there is no time on when you should get started. What are you waiting on then?

5. Don’t forget to breathe.

Just take a step back and breathe. Deeply and slowly a few times. When you can relax a little, the stress that is weighing you down will go off in no time. Set healthy boundaries. Say no if you don’t feel like doing the things that others want you to do. Don’t feel bad about saying no to the things that you can’t add on your plate right now or be too harsh with yourself for not being able to cater to everyone’s needs at the moment. For now all you have to do is focus on your mental health. Be kind to yourself and things will eventually fall in place for you. Believe that things will definitely get better over time.

In the end of the end of the day, just remember that your only job right now is to put one foot in front of the other. It doesn’t have to happen immediately. Take your time and recuperate. The rest of the world can wait for you until you start feeling better about yourself.