How do you turn things around when you feel like you're overwhelmed and have too much on your plate?

Whenever I can't handle my own thoughts, I make a list. I write down all the things I would like to do something about on a piece of paper; then, I cross out all the things I can do nothing about. I classify the remaining items by priority. I like adding stars, or hearts or smiley faces or something like that, from 1 to 3 (1 for secondary, 2 for somewhat important and 3 for very important). Then I just go thinking about what I can do about them and write that down too. It is important, when doing that, to stay within reason and not put too much on your plate, and also accept that we can't always do all the things we want to do.

I think for me there are two pieces to this question. The first half is how do I deal with too much on my plate in the short term and get through it. For that, the first step is to make a to do list and break it down into really small, manageable pieces. Rather than 'write 10 page paper' or 'complete work project', I will look at chunks that can be done in an hour or less if possible. 'Get research materials', 'create an outline', 'write intro paragraph', etc. It's much easier for me to feel like I'm getting things done if I can consistently see myself checking things off my list. The other in the moment thing I do is set a schedule and figure out how the different tasks fit into my day (e.g., I will get my research materials and make and outline before my first meeting; I'll write the introduction right after lunch but before my afternoon class; I'll go to the gym between class and dinner, etc.) The second part of the question to me is how to deal with generally having too much on your plate and how to decrease that amount on an ongoing basis. For that, I sit down and think through which of my responsibilities are most important to me, which will impact others if I drop, and which are lower priority or have other people who might be able to take them. I naturally have a really hard time saying no to things, but when I am able to, I feel much better and often find that other people are willing to step up and take on more responsibility.

4-7-8 breathing technique (breath in for 4 counts, hold for 7 counts, let go for 8, done 4 times total), playing some video games while listening to some angry music and then picking the easiest thing to do and doing it.

When I feel too overwhelmed and have too much on my plate, I often find that the best thing to do is first, breathe. Then I write down all that is bothering me (or that needs to be done) and I pick one thing, even a small thing and I do it. Slowly but surely, I get headed in the right direction.

I think a good place to start is by making a list of what exactly is causing you to feel overwhelmed. Then, figure out what your priorities are, and what you can let go.

most of the time it is a temporary thing, I try to sleep it off. a lot of rest can help you very well but sometimes even that won't be helping you, when you have urgent problems you will have to come with a solution. try to talk to someone to see if the solution you've come up with is a good one, lets be honest not all solutions fit every problem, we can't make a puzzle piece fit in the wrong puzzle.

When we get caught up in the whirlwind of the emotions it becomes impossible to look at things objectively so its best to take a step back to calm down and try and observe the situation rationally and think it through and even sleep on the decision we make as the next day will bring more clarity with it. And then we might see or notice some important piece/info earlier. Now with our heads a little clearer we are in a better mindset to make a logical and well-thought decision. Having too much on our plates is surely overwhelming but we can deal with things a little at a time so as not to rush our decisions. Also the accumulated anxiety of it all hinders our decision so as we deal with things one at a time our anxiety will also reduce with it.

Try to focus on your coping mechanisms maybe such things as taking deep breaths,drinking water and try to think positive thoughts .

I hear that you are wanting a positive change in your life. Can you tell me what is on your plate and what it is that is overwhelming you at the moment?

If a situation has you feeling overwhelmed due to having too much on your plate, its time to prioritize those things in your life. You could make a list of pros and cons of each of those things or seek counseling or therapy to help you get your mind on track. You could also seek a life coach if available in your area to help you organize the things in your life if you feel you are to overwhelmed to do so yourself.