Life can throw all kinds of challenges your way. As a result, experiencing anxiety and feeling overwhelmed is a natural human response. However, while it is normal to experience stress occasionally, when we are anxious regularly, it can affect our quality of life. Therefore, keep reading if you want to learn more about being overwhelmed and how to overcome and manage these feelings.
Key Takeaways
- Being overwhelmed is an emotional state where an individual experiences an increase of intense, adverse emotions. As a result, your ability to act and think rationally decreases.
- Some people experience stress and anxiety after one adverse event, while others become overwhelmed after a series of unfavorable situations.
- The 333 rule for anxiety can help you live in the present moment.
What does it mean to feel overwhelmed?
Being overwhelmed is an emotional state of being where an individual experiences an influx of intense emotions. As a result, your ability to act and think rationally can decrease severely. However, sometimes, it can be difficult to conclude and pinpoint what is making you feel negatively in your daily life. And in many instances, feelings of stress and anxiety can stem from multiple situations. Nonetheless, while we all respond differently to stress and anxiety, here are some of the telltale signs you may be anxious in your life:
- Your reactions to the situation at hand are disproportionate. For example, you may begin to cry when you are unable to find your car keys.
- You may experience physical symptoms, including aches and pains, extreme fatigue, and brain fog.
- Have difficulties staying focused and completing tasks.
- Find yourself withdrawing from your friends and loved ones.
Why do I get overwhelmed?
Furthermore, while feeling overwhelmed is a common human experience, the causes of these negative experiences will vary depending on who you ask. For example, you may have gotten into a serious car accident, which triggers feelings of anxiety or stress. On the other hand, individuals can feel overwhelmed when they lack sleep, miss their ride to work, or have too many assignments due around the same time. In other words, while it may take a series of negative experiences to make someone reach their limit, others may only experience stress and anxiety following a single stressor.
What is the opposite of feeling overwhelmed?
Moreover, now that we understand what it means to be overwhelmed let’s take a closer look at the opposite of this negative emotional state. Remember, stress is caused when we experience an influx of negative emotions that can affect how we think and act. Therefore, the opposite of feeling stress and anxiety is being unbothered or unaffected by the stressors present in your environment. As a result, you often handle unfavorable occurrences in life with a calm and rational mindset. In addition, rather than allow inconveniences to rule your emotions, individuals who remain unbothered often see failures as opportunities to learn and are more institutive and positive.
What is an example of being overwhelmed?
Furthermore, being overwhelmed can take on all types of forms that make us feel uncomfortable. Here are some common examples that you may have encountered at least once or twice, such as:
- Having too many tasks and responsibilities due at work, school, or in your personal life
- Meeting a tight deadline while balancing other obligations you may have
- Experiencing feelings of assuredness with the relationships in your life
- Accepting too many responsibilities at work because you do not want to disappoint your supervisor
- Trying to navigate a task without knowing how to complete it
How do I calm down ASAP?
Moreover, being overwhelmed can make you feel like drowning in doom. This is why it is important to calm yourself down so you can get back to your regular activities with an open and rational mind. Here are some of the best ways you can find balance in your life:
- Practice mindfulness meditation to calm the mind and find stillness in the present moment
- Write your feelings out in your journal to release any negative thoughts and emotions you may be experiencing
- Listen to your favorite music or podcast while you take time for yourself to recharge
- Practice deep breathing exercises
- Go for a run, do some yoga, or go to the gym to boost your mood
- Treat yourself to a day at the spa or do a self-care routine at home
How can I calm my anxiety?
Furthermore, when feeling overwhelmed, it’s also common to experience feelings of anxiety as well. Therefore, here are some of the best ways you can calm your anxiety quickly and effectively:
- Avoid drinking caffeine as it can increase your feelings of anxiety
- Use journal prompts to express your thoughts and feelings in a productive manner
- Disconnect from social media and your phone for a couple of hours to regroup
- Eat a healthy meal to raise your blood sugar and gain energy
- Book an appointment with a licensed therapist to talk about your thoughts and feelings in a safe space
- Take a warm bath with Epsom salt to relax the body and mind
- Speak positive affirmations to yourself
- Go for a walk or workout at the gym
What is the 333 rule for anxiety?
Moreover, another effective way to handle your anxiety productively is to practice the 333 rule. Let’s take a closer look at how to do this below:
Step 1
Look around and name three things that you observe in your environment.
Step 2
Next, name three sounds that you hear in the present moment.
Step 3
Lastly, move three parts of your body.
Use this method when you feel like your thoughts are racing, as studies show the 333 rule can help center yourself in the present moment.
