An overload of stress can really make you feel things are topsy-turvy in your life. It can cloud your mind, make you uncertain about where to turn, and confused as to what to do next.
With so many activities to balance in your day-to-day schedule, and things to resolve, experiencing stress overload is no fun. It’s important that you recognize the signs and symptoms of stress and anxiety and have some techniques at your disposal to help you through it. Read on to discover three ways to help you take control of your stress overload.
When you’re running around and feeling burnt out during your packed day, what do you do?
Do you find yourself keeping everything inside and telling yourself just put a smile on your face so the kids don’t notice?
Brushing your feelings off and letting the stress continue to pile up won’t do you any good. It’s essential to have some release, so let’s talk about it.
Try sitting down with a friend or family member who can help you to let go of some things that may be concerning you. Doing this will help you to better communicate your needs to your family and work out some solutions.
Perhaps you need some extra help around the house, or a day to get away and relax with your partner. You could even try talking to a therapist about what is stressing you out or causing you anxiety by using online therapy. A therapist can help you to sort things out and set an actionable plan moving forward to manage your anxiety and try to minimize your stress levels.
Simplify Simply Simplify:
Make simplifying your mantra. When experiencing stress overload you are being pulled in too many directions and being presented with too many options at once.
Your thoughts can get all jumbled up and it can be difficult to determine how to respond or decide the best course of action. Do what you can to simplify your life to help you get that clarity. Simplify your schedule, tell yourself that you are not going to obligate yourself to run around here and there each and every day. Rather divide and conquer.
Remember less is more. Are you bouncing around from having the kids involved in too many activities? Why not feel accomplished by just having a family night, relaxing, and enjoying some good company.
Do you have too much stuff in your space making you feel closed in? Why not spring clean and cut through the clutter? If you need some help with this you could try meeting with a professional organizer to best help you clean your home. Simplifying these areas of your life can decrease your stress levels.
Distract Yourself
Constantly thinking about stressful thoughts can leave you trapped in a vicious pattern of overthinking.
Ruminating will not help you clear your mind and find a solution. Rather, it will confuse you more and leave you more stressed than ever. Help yourself to break free, by distracting yourself.
Get up and get moving. Try moving your body with a new workout routine, going for a brisk walk, and doing a hands-on project. Getting your mind off stressful thoughts can help bring you happiness. Revisiting what is bothering you at a different time can be very helpful.
Usually, when you take a break and approach the issue at hand with a clear mind you may be able to calm down easier, see it in a different light, and decide how to deal with it.
Stress overload can take a toll on your body. Do your very best to recognize what causes your stress so that you can take care of your mental health and have solutions in place to manage it.
Briana Marie is a mental health and financial literacy advocate, and founder of Major League Mommy. In her spare time, Briana enjoys yoga, travel, and spending time with her Husband and two daughters.
