Intentional Living, Self Care, Slow Living

10 Things To Try When Life Feels Overwhelming

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one step at a time (image of footprints behind someone walking on a beach)

Life has a way of piling up sometimes.

Even when nothing major is happening, the constant stream of responsibilities, expectations, and noise can make everything feel like a lot.

If you’re in that season, you’re not alone. I’ve been feeling it too, and I wanted to share the things that actually help me breathe a little deeper and find my footing again.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about small steps, gentle reminders, and coming back to yourself.

a relaxing bath with bath accessories

Feeling overwhelmed?

Here are 10 things to try when life feels overwhelming that have worked for me.

1. Lean into self care that feels nourishing

Self care doesn’t have to be elaborate or take an hour.

Think simple comforts that help your nervous system settle. A warm shower. A soft blanket. A cuddle with the pups. A walk outside. Five minutes of journaling.

These tiny moments add up and remind your body that you are safe and supported.

2. Slow down

Y’all. Take a deep breath. Slow down. Get intentional.

For me, overwhelm often comes from rushing. When everything feels urgent, intentionally slow down.

Stop multi-tasking. Clear the clutter. Move mindfully through your day. Pause and take a deep breath. Ask for help or accept help that’s been offered! Spend time with people that get you. Maybe even try going analog.

Focus on what matters most and let go of the rest.

Create a mindful moment each morning while sitting outside on your front porch in one of two white rocking chairs with a green fern where you are truly present before the rush of the day- this could be a great practice when life feels overwhelming.

3. Take one single next step

Do you feel like you have a million tabs open all the time? I get it…looking at everything all at once is overwhelming.

I often find it super helpful to do a huge brain dump. Just write it all down.

Then ask yourself, “What is the next small thing I can do?” Not the whole list. Just one action. When you take it step by step, things become more manageable and less intimidating.

4. Come back to the basics

You can’t do the big things unless you’re doing the small things.

Hydrate. Rest. Nourish your body. Move gently.

These foundational habits give you the strength and clarity to handle the bigger responsibilities. It’s the same concept as putting on your own oxygen mask first.

Taking care of yourself makes everything else easier.

5. Lean into rhythms and routines

You don’t need a full-blown 10 step routine.

Just a few simple rhythms that bring structure and calm.

A call to a friend on your drive to work. A simple morning routine. A walk after lunch. A cup of tea before bed. Little anchors throughout the day help you feel more grounded, especially when life feels chaotic.

Self care affirmation that reads "I choose to priortize my well-being." with a black and white marbled background.

6. Say no without guilt

Y’all. There is a reason that over 2,700 people have saved this image on Pinterest in the last year!!

You are not required to do everything. You do not owe everyone a yes. Protecting your energy is healthy.

If something feels heavy or beyond your capacity, a kind and honest “not right now” is perfectly enough. Your well-being matters.

7. Let go of comparison

It’s so easy to look around and think everyone else is handling life better.

But comparison steals your joy and replaces it with pressure. Release that weight. Your timeline, your pace, and your process are valid. Nobody is living a perfect life behind the scenes.

8. Make your own rules

Truly.

Who decided you have to do things a certain way or follow invisible rules that leave you stressed and burnt out? If something in your life feels heavy or forced, you’re allowed to change it.

You can simplify your schedule, choose the easy option, ask for help, or let go of traditions that don’t serve you. You could even add a little whimsy to your days. Don’t let the “supposed to’s” run your life.

You get to decide what works for you.

woman sitting crossed legs on the salt flats in Utah with a blue sky and mountains behind her feeling encouraged

9. Limit the noise

Turn down the volume on everything that’s not essential.

Fewer notifications. Less scrolling. More quiet moments.

Give yourself permission to disconnect from the constant input. Go outside. Get grateful. Be present. Stay grounded.

Your mind will feel clearer and your mood will shift faster than you expect.

10. Create a tiny pocket of joy

You don’t need a full reset.

You just need one small moment of joy.

Purposely look for good things happening around you. A good book. A sunny day. An inspiring quote. A good song playing at the grocery store. A new hobby.

Small joys can change the tone of your entire day.

10 Questions To Ask Yourself When You Feel Overwhelmed

Think of these as gentle journal prompts or quick reflections you can do anytime.

  1. What is one thing I can let go of today?
  2. What is actually mine to carry and what belongs to someone else?
  3. What pressure am I putting on myself that no one asked me to carry?
  4. What would feel nourishing right now?
  5. What is one small win I can celebrate from today?
  6. What’s the next tiny step I can take?
  7. Who can I ask for help or support?
  8. What expectation do I need to release?
  9. What matters most today?
  10. What is one thing I’m grateful for in this moment?

Even a few minutes with these questions can shift your whole perspective.

wellness wednesday quotes

Feeling Overwhelmed Quotes

Y’all know I’m a quote girlie. And sometimes something as simple as a quote can serve as a quick pick me up when life feels overwhelming.

Here are just a couple of my favorite encouraging quotes:

“A healthy outside starts from the inside.” Robert Ulrich

“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.” Etty Hillesum

“Focus on one thing. Not everything.” Russian Proverb

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes — including you.” Anne Lamott

​​“Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.” Mother Teresa

“It’s okay to not be okay.” Unknown

“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” Henri J.M. Nouwen

“Be a curator of your life. Slowly cut things out until you’re left only with what you love, with what’s necessary, with what makes you happy.” Leo Babauta

“You can do anything, but not everything.” David Allen

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” Mary Anne Radmacher

“If you don’t bend, you’ll break. In life you must be flexible.” DeVon Franklin

“When you care about something, you try to do it well. When you care about everything, you do nothing well.” Kendra Adachi

“Are you going to live the life you expect to live or the life that’s expected of you?” DeVon Franklin

“Feelings are just visitors. Let them come and go.” Mooji

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Theodore Roosevelt

If you love quotes too, be sure to check out some of my other fave quotes:

You’re doing better than you think

If life feels overwhelming right now, there is nothing wrong with you.

You’re simply human.

You don’t have to push through or pretend everything is fine. Slow down. Simplify. Take care of yourself with kindness. One tiny step at a time.

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