Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you feel like you do not know how to cope with everything that is going on in your life? This sort of feeling is a symptom of stress. It happens when the amount of stress you are experiencing is more significant than the coping mechanisms you have for dealing with it. Of course, this is not a healthy state to be in, and stress has been linked to many physical conditions. With that being said, let’s look at some of the different strategies you can use if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Identify Your Triggers
If there is something specific that is making you feel overwhelmed, such as something that is happening at work, think about what is in your control and what you can actually change to make the experience better. For example, you may be able to get someone to help you with a specific task, or you could adapt your working hours. Rather than worrying about things that are out of your control, look to change and improve the things that are in your control.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is all about being in the present moment. Firstly, spend some time focusing on one of your senses. For example, what can you see? Next, do this with all of the senses so that you are really aware of everything around you, spending a few minutes on each one. Rather than assessing or judging what comes up, make an effort to be in that present moment whenever your thoughts come up. Many people believe that it is helpful to consider your thoughts as passing clouds, so why not give this a try?
Try Meditation
Another option to try is a bit of meditation. Meditation involves concentrating your attention on something specific, such as the sensations in your body, sounds, or your breath. The reason why it is recommended is that it helps you to become less reactive and more aware. There have been studies that have shown that meditating on a regular basis can help to lower depression, anxiety, and stress. If you have never meditated before, set a timer for five to 10 minutes or use guided meditation online. As you practice, it is inevitable that thoughts will arise, but allow them to pass without judgment.
Connect With a Loved One
Another approach when you are feeling overwhelmed is to connect with people you love. Contacting your support system can help you to offload any thoughts you have, which can feel like a weight off your shoulders. Alternatively, you could connect with new people to bring some fresh energy into your life. There are many great online support groups if you do not feel comfortable joining any sort of social group in person.
Do Some Exercise
Exercising is another good strategy if you are feeling overwhelmed because it releases endorphins in the brain. This can help to enhance your mood and make you feel better. A lot of people struggle with the idea of adding another activity to their to-do list when they are already feeling overwhelmed. However, even just 30 minutes of moderate exercise can result in a whole host of benefits.
In addition, it will help to take your mind off the things that are making you feel stressed. It is important to make exercise fun if you are not someone who tends to enjoy going to the gym or for a run. You could join a sports team, for example, or you could attend a fitness class. There is something for everyone nowadays!
Book an Appointment With a Therapist
If you are struggling with feeling overwhelmed and you cannot find ways to cope yourself, it makes sense to speak with a therapist who can help you by providing you with stress management techniques. At the Trauma & Anxiety Center, we have helped many people who have been expressing excessive amounts of stress for different reasons. Simply give us a call or drop us an email, and we will be happy to help you on your journey to a stress-free life. We will provide you with advice and coping mechanisms that are tailored to suit you.
Find a Creative Outlet
Aside from the tips that we have mentioned so far, finding a creative outlet can be beneficial when helping you to reduce those feelings of stress. Think about the different methods you can use to get your creative juices flowing. Examples include acting, music, dance, writing, and art. It is simply about choosing something that you will enjoy, and no, you don’t need to be good at it. Studies have proven that these sorts of creative outlets are linked with lower stress levels. If you can, try and connect with your creative side a minimum of once per week.
Write Down What You Are Grateful For
Last but not least, making a list of what you are grateful for is an excellent way of transforming the way you think and feel about stress. Every morning or evening, write down the ten things that you appreciate. This could be something as simple as having clean water to drink. This will challenge the way that you think, and it can help you to feel more positive.
Contact Us Today and Start Healing Emotionally
If you are feeling overwhelmed and you are struggling to cope, the best thing you can do is accept the help that is available to you. For practical, empathetic, and confidential counseling in Dunedin and Clearwater, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team today for more information. We will help you with creating and improving good coping skills in recovery from trauma. We have many years of experience helping people overcome their struggles and realize that self-love is the best love to give yourself while overcoming trauma.. http://www.traumaandanxietycenteroftampa.com