The world is packed with so many different things.
Different to-do lists to fulfill, different people to speak to, different priorities to run around across town for. One may wonder how it could all be packed in such a limited space. One may wonder how one commitment after another feels like lifting a 100-pound brick from the bottom of a swimming pool. Let me tell you one thing, and don't forget it: You are not meant to feel like a bag stuffed to the brim and shoved in with assignments and tasks that seem incompletable. No matter whom you might be, you deserve to feel expanded, lifted, and confident about who you are and where you're going with whatever is overwhelming you. As someone who often overcommits herself and suffers stupidly hellish consequences afterward, here are a few things to lessen the overwhelmingness.
1. Try slow deep breaths
Okay. Maybe this might just work for me. But basically, breathing does a lot of really cool things to your body. lowers your stress levels, rids your body of up to 70% of toxins, increases your energy, improves your digestive, immune, nervous and cardiovascular systems, relieves pain and helps you let go of tension. It's REAL good stuff, my dude. But it also mentally, for me, slows down my thinking. It really helps me to focus on whatever I'm doing.
2. Accept that you're not able to do everything
There are only 24 hours in the day. And while doing absolutely everything seems like a romantic/amazing concept, it can simply just be unattainable. Celebrate the small things and the steps you take toward your goals.
3. Make it a priority to do the things that relax you
Reduce the amount of overwhelmingness in your life by sprinkling in things that relax you. It's incredibly important to have these mental breaks, whether they are watching an episode of your favorite show, drawing, going outside to play basketball, dancing for a few songs in your room, taking a nap. These are important. And even on my busiest days, I always try to make it a priority to do a thing that relaxes me for at least an hour.
4. Say no
Give yourself permission to say no. It's not necessarily being rude, but self-preservation. Your mental health and your happiness matters. Your energy and your time is precious, so don't feel afraid to put yourself first.
5. See or talk to a loved one
It's a much needed mental break to be able to talk to someone you care about. It's important to remember that you've got a support system. And heck. If you need to vent, someone who loves you is bound to listen and support you through the hardship no matter what.
6. Don't be afraid to ask for help
A weird combination of both my pride and modesty usually stops me from doing this one. But know when you're at your limit. And know that there are people more than willing to lend you a hand, whether that be asking them to pat you on the back, to talk you out of a frenzy or for help brainstorming. (Sidenote: If you're a leader, don't be afraid to delegate tasks. Helps so much, and brings in community morale.)
7. Refocus when overloaded
I do this by focusing on only a few goals I have. I'm not too organized of a person, but in these situations, I will make a small list! Just to be able to get by.
8. Break huge tasks into smaller ones
Similar to the last suggestion. But when approaching a big task, list off the smaller tasks to accomplish. If you're keeping a small list like I do - it's SO satisfying to be able to cross them off.
9. CRY
Don't bottle it up. Cry. Let it out!
10. Ask yourself if it'll matter in 5 years time
This question usually lets me feel at ease for a moment, especially as a college student. Deadlines pass. Degrees will be received. Things will resolve. Keep hope that the overwhelmingness subsides, breathe it out, focus on the smaller things first and expand. You have so much room to grow in this huge world. Don't be afraid of the things that lie ahead!
