Feeling Overwhelmed? Here's How to Manage Your Stress and Take Control

Many situations can lead people to feel overwhelmed. If some circumstance in your life is causing you to feel stuck or overwhelmed, it's important to reflect on what might be causing these feelings. There can be many reasons why you may feel stuck and overwhelmed, and the reasons can vary from person to person, and as you dive deeper, you will discover what they are, but here are some common reasons:

Lack of clarity: When unclear about what you want, taking action and moving forward can be hard. This can lead to feeling stuck and overwhelmed.

Personal problems: Personal problems, such as relationship issues, financial difficulties, or health problems, can be a major source of stress and overwhelm.

Too many choices: Sometimes, having too many options can make it hard to decide and take action. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do.

Fear of failure: When you fear failing or making a mistake, you can get stuck in indecision and avoidance. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed as you try to avoid making any decisions.

Workload: Workload can also contribute to feelings of overwhelm. If you have a heavy workload, are in a toxic or stressful work environment, or have a lot of responsibility at work, it can be difficult to manage everything and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Major life changes: A recent move, loss of a loved one, a job loss, a new relationship, or becoming a parent for the first time can all be a significant source of stress and cause you to feel overwhelmed.

Lack of time management: Poor management skills can lead to a feeling of overwhelm. If you don't prioritize your tasks and manage your time effectively, you may find yourself constantly scrambling to catch up.

What strategies can you take to manage your stress better?

Once you have a better understanding of what's going on, you can start to take steps to address the underlying issues and move forward. Here are six strategies to manage your stress and take control:

1. Take a break: Sometimes, taking a step back and taking a break can be helpful. This might involve taking a short walk, listening to music, or doing something you enjoy to help you relax.

2. Prioritize tasks: When you're feeling overwhelmed, it can be helpful to make a list of tasks and prioritize them in order of importance. This can help you focus on the most critical tasks and feel a sense of accomplishment as you complete them.

3. Break tasks into smaller steps: When tasks seem too large or daunting, breaking them down into smaller steps can make them feel more manageable. This can help you make progress and feel less overwhelmed.

4. Ask for help: It's okay to ask for help when feeling overwhelmed. Whether it's asking a friend, family member, or coworker for support or delegating tasks to others, asking for help can be a helpful way to reduce stress and manage feelings of overwhelm.

5. Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself is essential when feeling overwhelmed. This might involve getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and engaging in activities that make you feel good.

6. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, can help you stay present and focused in the moment. These practices can also help reduce stress and anxiety.

Remember that feeling overwhelmed is a common experience, and taking steps to manage these feelings is good. Don't hesitate to seek support from others, and be kind to yourself as you navigate through these challenging emotions.

Are you feeling stuck and need support, or do you need help in getting clear on your goals so you can move confidently in the direction of your dreams? Contact me today to see how I can support you!

Email me at KellyKedrosky@DreamBuilderCoach.com