MANAGING OVERWHELM

"Do what you can, with what you've got, where you are."

– Theodore Roosevelt

Do you ever feel like the world is spinning too fast, and you can’t keep up? Are there days when it feels like your to-do list is never ending and that nothing gets done no matter how hard you try?

Feeling overwhelmed happens when our minds are filled with too many tasks or ideas simultaneously. It can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, fatigue and even physical illness. But the good news is that overwhelm isn't something we have to live with forever; there are steps we can take to manage it more effectively. Here are five tips that will help:

1.  ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR FEELINGS

It’s important to understand that feeling overwhelmed is a normal and natural response to stress. There’s no need to feel ashamed or guilty about feeling this way.

2.  IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF YOUR OVERWHELM

Once you’ve acknowledged your feelings, the next step is to identify the source of your overwhelm. What is it that’s causing you to feel so overwhelmed? Is it a specific project or task? Or is it a general sense of stress and anxiety? Once you’ve identified the source of your overwhelm, you can begin to develop a plan for managing it.

3. SET PRIORITIES AND MAKE A PLAN

When you have a lot on your plate, it can be helpful to sit down and figure out what is most important and what can wait. Once you have a list of priorities, you can start planning how to tackle each one. This will help you feel more organised and in control, reducing feelings of overwhelm.

4. BE KIND TO YOURSELF

One of the best ways to do this is to practise self-compassion. This means treating yourself with the same kindness, care, and understanding you would show to a good friend.

5.  ASK FOR HELP

This doesn’t mean that you’re weak or incapable; it just means that you recognise that you can’t do everything on your own. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Managing overwhelm isn't about avoiding stress or challenges but learning how to navigate them effectively. Be kind to yourself, seek support when needed, and never underestimate your capacity to overcome and grow stronger from difficulties.