Reducing Overwhelm: How to Get Back to Living Life When Stress Reaches a Breaking Point

Stress is a normal part of life, but when it reaches a breaking point, it can become overwhelming and debilitating. When we’re overwhelmed, we may feel like we’re spinning out of control and unable to cope with the demands of everyday life. But there are ways to reduce overwhelm and get back to living life. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips for reducing overwhelm when stress reaches a breaking point.

1. Identify the source of your stress. The first step to reducing overwhelm is identifying the source of your stress. This may be a specific event, such as a job loss or a relationship breakdown, or it may be a more general feeling of being overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life. Once you have identified the source of your stress, you can begin to take steps to address it.

2. Prioritize self-care. Self-care is essential when stress reaches a breaking point. This includes getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally will help you to feel better equipped to cope with stress.

3. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Incorporating mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga into your daily routine can help you to reduce the intensity of your stress and react more measured to stressors.

4. Connect with others. Social support is an important factor in stress management. Connect with friends and loved ones, and consider joining a support group or talking to a therapist if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
5. Practice time management. Feeling overwhelmed by too many tasks or obligations can contribute to stress. Prioritize your tasks and set realistic goals for yourself. Learn to say no when you need to and don’t be afraid to ask for help. 
6. It’s important to remember that stress is a normal part of life, and that it’s not possible to eliminate it completely. But by incorporating these 5 stress-reducing techniques into your daily routine, you can learn to manage your stress in a healthy and productive way. Remember to be patient with yourself, and always consult with a healthcare professional if you feel overwhelmed or need extra support. _________________________________________________________________________________________________
   Jenmarie Eadie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about empowering women to take control of their mental health by finding balance and inner peace in the midst of perfectionism and anxiety. She received her Master’s in Social Work from Arizona State with a concentration in Behavioral Health. Her proudest accomplishment is following her dream of opening up a practice focused on helping high-achieving, goal-oriented women. She currently serves women in California and Oregon (CA LCSW# 66634 and OR# L13328).