Effective Strategies for Overcoming Overwhelm and Stress
Written on
Chapter 1: Understanding Overwhelm
At the moment, I'm grappling with an intense sense of overwhelm. It's akin to a live stream from my thoughts, as I juggle countless tasks that keep piling up, leaving me feeling somewhat unwell. Writing down my feelings seems to alleviate some of this stress; keeping my fingers busy acts as a form of release. I’d like to share what I’m doing right now to manage this overwhelm, with the hope that it helps me and offers valuable insights for you.
Section 1.1: Music as a Calming Influence
Currently, I’m playing a jazz playlist from 'Cozy Coffee Shop' on YouTube. This music is soothing in the traditional sense, quite different from high-energy tracks. Research indicates that focusing on a single instrument can significantly reduce stress. With a piano-heavy arrangement, I choose to concentrate on the drums, which makes the experience a bit more engaging for me. I’ve always appreciated jazz drumming, and even the most intense solos, like those from Buddy Rich, are inspiring.
After just a few moments of this focused listening, I notice a shift in my mindset. It helps me regain focus and diminishes my sense of overwhelm.
Feeling Overwhelmed? How to Tap Into Your Power and Feel Calmer | The Mel Robbins Podcast
This video offers insights on harnessing personal power to navigate overwhelming feelings effectively.
Overwhelm reduction rating: 8/10
Section 1.2: Taking a Break
A quick search reveals that stepping away from tasks can alleviate stress. I decide to watch a brief episode of Family Guy, and it’s surprisingly effective. Immersing myself in the Griffin family’s antics provides a welcome distraction and I genuinely feel more relaxed afterward.
Other strategies to consider for a mental break include:
- Reading a few pages of a book
- Taking your dog for a quick walk
- Enjoying a cup of coffee
These activities help shift your focus away from the overwhelming situation.
Overwhelm reduction rating: 9/10
Chapter 2: Techniques for Calmness
Feeling Overwhelmed? Here's Why And How To Beat It! | Mel Robbins
This video discusses effective methods to combat feelings of overwhelm and regain control of your life.
Section 2.1: Breathing Exercises
Advice from MIND, a mental health organization, suggests a simple breathing technique: inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth while keeping your shoulders relaxed. Placing a hand on your stomach can help you monitor your breathing. After just four cycles of this practice, I find myself returning to a calm state, making it highly recommended.
Overwhelm reduction rating: 10/10
Section 2.2: Grounding Techniques
Grounding is often recommended for managing anxiety, and while overwhelm isn’t the same as a panic attack, it can still be beneficial. This technique involves engaging your senses: identify something you can see, touch, hear, smell, and taste. It effectively redirects your focus and helps you step back from the chaos.
Overwhelm reduction rating: 8/10
Conclusion: Finding What Works
In my experience, the breathing technique proved to be the most effective. However, each individual’s response to overwhelm varies. It’s a daunting feeling that manifests differently for everyone. I encourage you to experiment with these methods the next time you’re overwhelmed with responsibilities. Let me know what strategies resonate with you. Now, back to enjoying Family Guy.