When Feeling Overwhelmed

Now we know how we might attack worry, but what about when we are feeling overwhelmed? In unison with our worries, we might feel like there is too much in the world going on at once due to the global pandemic, but also that there is too much to take on in our own personal lives with the changes in work, school, social, and home life. Below are some strategies we can use to help manage those thoughts and feelings, and turn them into positive behaviors.

One way is to find a routine that we can maintain. When things feel unpredictable, it can be helpful to stick to a schedule that makes us feel in control and that is predictable. Some things to consider when making a schedule are:

• Sleep- Sleep is important and often correlates with our mood for the day. Maintaining a normal sleep schedule is important to feel energized and ready to conquer each day. 
• Hygeine- When we are at home most of the day during the pandemic, especially if we are alone, we might not see the point of keeping up good hygeine; however, taking regular showers, cleaning the house, and changing our clothes can be ways to improve our moods and create an uplifting environment.
• Exercise- Exercise is a helpful tool in which we can use our physical bodies to release endorphins which improve our mood. Though gyms may be limited and outdoor activities may be off limits during the pandemic, this is your time to get creative! You can find apps to workout inside and use stairs or your backyard in your home. If you are able to, it's also importnat to remember to replenish your Vitamin D. You can also take a walk or a job outside to soak up the sun during the day as we tend to stay indoors during the pandemic.
• Meals- Though being at home all the time during the pandemic may throw our timing off everyday, something that we can be sure to set the time for is our meals. Meals help us replenish our bodies and also gives our bodies an idea of what time it is during the day. You could also use this time to connect with others by eating with those in the household, or get creative and video chat or call friends or family during meal breaks. It is important to make sure we set meal times so as not to over or undereat, and make sure that we are maintaining a balanced diet. 
• To-do List- As in the worry strategies, keeping a list of activities or errands we can complete and are in control of can make us feel accomplished and productive.

Another strategy is our problem-solving strategy outlined in the worry exercise. Remember to first lay out the problem that is overwhelming you, come up with solutions and rate those solutions based on the feasibility, ease, and consequences, and then create an action plan to carry out those solutions. 

Research has shown that by finding ways we can to help others, it often in turn makes us feel less overwhelmed with our own situation. Practicing generosity can go a long way in making ourselves feel good, making others feel good, and making a difference in the community. Perhaps, you can consider striking up a chat with a member on 7Cups as a listener, for example.

You can also always consider asking for help from others. Often our worries and overwhelming thoughts/feelings can be too much to handle by just ourselves. Try reaching out to someone you trust or are comfortable with, or a listener on 7Cups for example, and outline your situations, feelings, and thoughts.