Coping with Overwhelm and Anxiety: Finding your way through the chaos

Life can feel relentless at times. The weight of responsibilities, expectations, and self-doubt can creep in, leaving you feeling as though you’re constantly treading water—never quite reaching the surface. When overwhelm sets in, it’s easy to believe you should be coping better, but the truth is, struggling under pressure doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human.

Recognising Overwhelm and Anxiety

Sometimes, anxiety and overwhelm build gradually—small worries stacking up until they feel unbearable. Other times, they hit suddenly, leaving you feeling frozen or out of control. You may find yourself struggling to focus, withdrawing from others, or feeling irritable without knowing why. Your body might be holding onto the tension too—through headaches, a racing heart, or sheer exhaustion.

Acknowledging these feelings is the first step towards regaining a sense of balance. Rather than pushing them aside, it can be helpful to pause and ask: What is my mind and body trying to tell me?

Setting Boundaries and Letting Go of ‘Should’

One of the biggest challenges with overwhelm is feeling stretched too thin. Saying yes to too much, placing unrealistic expectations on yourself, or feeling unable to switch off can quickly drain your emotional reserves.

🌿 A gentle reminder: It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to take a break. And it’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out.

Try asking yourself: What truly matters to me? Where can I give myself more space to breathe? Setting boundaries—whether with work, relationships, or even your own inner critic—can be a powerful step towards reducing anxiety.

Ways to Find Calm When Life Feels Too Much

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, small shifts can make a big difference. Here are a few things to try:

✔ Ground yourself in the present. When thoughts are racing, bring your focus back to your breath, your surroundings, or even the feeling of your feet on the floor. This can help break the cycle of anxiety.

✔ Take things one step at a time. Rather than looking at everything at once, try breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Progress, no matter how small, still counts.

✔ Reach out. You don’t have to carry this alone. Talking to someone—whether a friend, family member, or counsellor—can help lighten the load.

✔ Move your body. Even gentle movement, like a short walk or stretching, can shift how you feel and bring a sense of relief.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

If anxiety and overwhelm are weighing heavily on you, please know that you are not alone. There is support available, and you deserve to feel at ease in your own life. Taking the first step—whether that’s talking to someone or simply giving yourself permission to slow down—can be the start of real change.

💬 If you’d like a safe space to explore what’s going on for you, I’m here to help.

#ManagingAnxiety #EmotionalWellbeing #SkylaCounselling