What to do when you feel overwhelmed

Guys. It’s okay.

It’s okay to feed our kids – or yourself – mac and cheese for dinner (and lunch). It’s alright that we skipped bath time tonight. And it’s perfectly fine that we opted out of wine night with the girls.

Sometimes, what we need is rest. We preach about showing everyone grace and forgiving and letting go, but we forget to practice those things with ourselves.

Our standards are set unrealistically high – thanks to social media and the constant exposure to everyone’s highlight reel – and it’s hurting our hearts that we aren’t hitting the bar.

You are doing a great job.

Repeat after me “I am doing a GREAT job!”

We’re not meant to do all the things. It’s okay it’s vital to our wellbeing to rest. To take a breath. To say no to another committee. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with life, do a time audit and figure out what is not a priority and step away from it without guilt.

Write down all of your expectations (your personal ones and ones that others’ have placed on you) and commitments you have made. Circle ones you have to do (like taking kids to school and feeding them, and going to work). Underline ones that are important but not necessary. Out of the tasks that are left, cross off the ones that are too draining, take up too much of your time, or that do not bring you joy.

Take care of yourself so you can care for those around you. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Make sure you are getting your own self-care in. Some great tips for self-care include:

• meditation
• yoga
• exercise
• dancing
• drinking enough water
• eating healthy
• journaling
• writing
• take photos
• start (or resume) a hobby you enjoy
• therapy
• reading
• coloring
• draw
• paint
• watching a movie
• cleaning (this can TOTALLY be therapeutic!)
• gardening
• volunteering
• baking or cooking
• taking a nap
• aromatherapy
• watch a movie or tv show you enjoy
• lunch with friends
• pedicure (you don’t need to go somewhere, you can do this at home)
• bath
• call a friend or family member
• go for a walk
• go for a drive
• light a candle
• organize something (closet, room, etc)
• meal plan
• make a vision board
• write down inspirational quotes
• start a gratitude journal
• listen to music

There are SO many other things you can do! A quick google search can help you come up with other activities for self-care. Or, read a blog for some inspiration (hint, hint: this is a pretty decent one I think ☺️).

Journaling and time management are super helpful at helping you regain control when you’re feeling overwhelmed. You can check out these posts for more information:

Gratitude Journaling, 10 Tips for Self-Care, and Start the Day with Intention

I hope this was helpful advice for you! I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to read my blog, and I hope you share it with your friends 😉