Wellness Wednesday: 17 Things to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed

At some point, every one of us have most definitely felt an overwhelming feeling. That feeling of getting overwhelmed usually happens when you put something off, let something build up inside, take on too many tasks/overbook yourself, or try to do too many things at once. It takes over your brain and sometimes even causes you to just shut off and do nothing about it at all. For today's Wellness Wednesday, I'm sharing 17 simple and surefire ways to help you when you're feeling overwhelmed. Part of feeling well is feeling your best mentally and taking care of yourself should always be at the top of your priority list! The most important thing to remember is that you have the power to take the steps you need to feel better. But when all else fails, try one of these things:

1. Go for a walk. Or run, or take a class at your gym or whatever it is you like to do for exercise. Get your brain focused on something else and get your adrenalin pumping!

2. Write out what's on your mind and get it on paper, even if you're just going to throw it away after. Nothing helps more than getting something out that's weighing heavily on your mind.

3. Take a break. Close the laptop and watch TV, listen to music, get outside, whatever you like to do in your free time! Sometimes all you really need is a quick break to chill.

4. Clean or organize something that's been staring at you for days - your desk, a drawer, your closet, the pantry...

5. Vent to someone about what's overwhelming you; whether it's your sister, a parent or BFF just get them on the phone and talk it out. It always helps.

6. Unplug from social, and I guarantee your mind will be at ease nearly instantly. I know a lot of the time being away from your phone and thinking about what you may be missing can be stressful, but that's exactly what the problem with electronics is. These days we're all guilty of spending too much time with our heads down looking at our phones, obsessing over social media and worrying about everything and everyone else. This is the best way to overwhelm yourself, and until you put the phone down, you won't notice it. It's kind of crazy how addicted we are, and if you don't take breaks you'll no doubt feel filled with anxiety. I know I do!

7. Say a prayer. If you have a strong faith, you know the power of prayer. God knows exactly what you're going through, so no matter what's on your mind make some time in your day to clear your mind and heart and let God help you with your worries.

8. Realize and count your blessings, because they can get buried when you have so much on your mind. Seeing the glass half full is everything when you're overwhelmed.

9. Find something that'll make you laugh. Laughter is the best medicine! Life's too short to not laugh each day - call a friend, watch your favorite episode of Friends (because what's funnier??) or call that one person in your life that always gives you a good laugh. It'll help!

10. Plan a getaway. Even if it's just for a weekend, or a stay-cation. Getting a change of scenery and getting away will help you see the positives and help to clear your mind. And you can always start a travel fund to help you get there!

11. Prioritize your to-do list. On a day that you're already feeling overwhelmed, the last thing you want to do is work or be productive. It's just the truth - so prioritize what needs to get done and what can wait until you're feeling better. Physically crossing things off of your list will help to ease your mind.

12. Hug Someone. Never underestimate the power of a hug. Ever. :)

13. Take a power nap but don't let it be too long - power naps really do work, but it has to be just that, a power nap. I totally can relate if you feel like you need a good 3 hours of sleep but when you nap for 20 minutes (at the most) you don't get into that powerful, deep sleep and it's just enough to recharge your batteries.

14. Don't try to get everything done. See #11 - you can't get everything done always, and especially so when you're feeling overwhelmed. It just won't work!

15. Invest in yourself. It doesn't have to be buying something luxurious (although it can be! ;), it could be something as simple as getting a mani/pedi or a facial, reading a book or any activity you truly love to do. Focus on yourself and give something to yourself.

16. Tell yourself you can, you will and that this moment of stress and feeling overwhelmed will pass. Over and over, as many times as you need.

17. Go to one of your favorite spots. If you live by the ocean, go listen to the sound of the waves. If you love to shop, go to the mall (hey, no judgement here ;). Sometimes getting a change of scenery is exactly what you need to get your brain elsewhere and to stop overthinking the smallest things.

XOXO -A