How to Feel Significantly Less Overwhelmed In Life

It seems like almost everyone is plagued by the constant sensation of being in a perpetual state of being overwhelmed. The past few years might seem like a ball you threw up in the air that never seems to come back down, and now you may wait for events or circumstances to level out.

Here are some tips to flatten out the curve of the constant feeling of being overwhelmed.

Less time online 

Whether it be news or social media, we are receiving a dopamine hit, but in return we are increasing our stress and depression. The American Psychological Association found that there is a connection between depression and PTSD symptoms and the time we spend reading the news and on social media. 

Not only do we lose time pursuing hobbies, activities, and time with our loved ones but we also become overstimulated by our immaculately tailored feed that makes it even harder to detach from our phones. More importantly, Huffington Post describes our interrelationship with social media as one that detaches us from our reality and instead has us focused more on our online reality. This disturbs our need to be social and be present with others so that it causes feelings of loneliness and isolation. Moreover, in this online reality we are worried we might miss something and feel the pressure to show and compete with the expectations of others. 

Not working towards goals

The truth is if we do not feel as if we are progressing toward our goals then we will feel heightened stress. Knowing what needs to be done and not starting in that direction can cause more stress, and until we take that step we will continue to be overwhelmed by the so-called mountain we have not yet begun to climb. Similarly, starting a project may feel more overwhelming than the project itself. The act of starting and working towards a goal will help to lighten the pressure.

Change environment 

The goal is to make your space as tranquil and comforting as possible. The simple act of changing, revamping, or tidying your space can help you feel more calm in your home. After all, your home is a place that needs to feel like a sanctuary. 

It’s not just indoors though. The more time we spend outdoors helps us to feel more grounded.

Delegate

Everything in life does not have to be done by you. Ask for help more often. The belief that we can accomplish tasks without help can cause increased feelings of stress and discomfort.

Accept where you are right now

We shame ourselves for not being enough or not doing enough. Society is constantly pressuring us to accomplish more while social media compares us to the successes of others. Be easier on yourself and take some of the pressure off of yourself by accepting that it is okay where you are right now.

Say no

Since we can only do so much, by saying yes we are actually taking away time from something of equal or greater importance. Psychology Today gives examples of things we might miss by saying yes: an extra hour of sleep, time alone to recharge, or time with loved ones. 

Write it down

The simple act of writing ideas, plans, thoughts, and feelings can help to lessen the feeling of being overwhelmed because it never looks as bad on paper as it does running through your head with no escape. 

Practice Gratitude

How do we practice gratitude when we feel discontentment and overburdened day to day? The psychological and physical effects of gratitude are numerous according to research by The Greater Good Science Center. They concluded that overall happiness, physical health, and life satisfaction were directly related to gratitude. Make lists of what you are thankful for. Ultimately, this practice will produce feelings of gratitude even if you do not feel it now.

Are you willing to try any of these changes?