Self-care For When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
Like any adult human, there are periods where I feel completely overwhelmed no matter what good intentions, mindful practices and planning I had in place. Often it’s when I haven’t taken time for myself: I noticed last year that I’d feel overwhelmed when I hadn’t kept up with household chores or when I hadn’t given myself time for a good workout. (Habit trackers are really good for discovering these patterns!)
Over the years, and particularly throughout my twenties, I’ve honed a self-care skillset that almost always gets me back on track and feeling a little more balanced. Here are some of my go-to self-care tools:
Take 15 minutes to make a master to-do list
The most rewarding thing you can do for yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed is to take some out and make a master to-do list. I’m a big fan of lists in general, but a master to-do list is even greater. Simply brain-dump all of the things you need to do, compiling a giant list. Although the list may be long, doesn’t it feel better that all of those ‘things’ are on paper rather than floating around your brain? I actually do this weekly: when planning my week ahead, I’ll make a master to-do list to refer to throughout the week, checking off a few things wherever I can.
Start with one small task
If you’re feeling overwhelmed then beginning with at least one task can be self-care too. Pick one thing from your aforementioned to-do list – even if it’s ‘tidy away lounge’ – and check it off. Getting started with a mountain of to-do’s can be a huge weight off your mind, and now you can actually settle and relax a little.
Or take a short break!
It’s really easy to want to attempt to do everything, when you’re already overwhelmed. But taking a break from it all can help too. Take an hour out and simply relax. Watch TV, chat to a friend on the phone, or even meditate. While meditation practices have never made it into my daily routine or any sort of regular schedule, I must admit that sitting on the floor and mindfully breathing – deep breaths – really does me the world of good when I’m overwhelmed and on the brink of anxious.
Reduce caffeine intake
Since quitting caffeine at the start of November last year, I’ve noticed a huge change to my wellbeing. I no longer feel anxious as often as I used to, my heart rate is back to its regular resting rate and my brain has slowed down comfortably. That is to say, I feel like I have more capacity to consider my next task instead of feeling uncomfortably ready to attempt 12 things all at once.
Reset with a relaxing (or energising) hobby
Lastly, overwhelm is often due to having not had enough time to feel rested, reset and recalibrated. Take a moment to do just that and reset with a relaxing hobby, whatever that means to you. Or, the forever-favourite: a solo dance party in the comfort of your home to your most-cherished playlist. At the end of the day, self-care is simply about taking time for Y-O-U.
What are your go-to tricks for when you’re feeling overwhelmed?
