When Everything Feels Like Too Much

Stress and overwhelm are pretty much the default setting for a lot of people right now, and it wears on you, body and mind. You probably know some of what helps already. Doing it is the hard part, so here are a few things I’d start with, kept small on purpose.

Make some time that’s just yours

I know “self-care” has turned into a slogan, but the basic idea holds up. Set aside a little time each day for something that relaxes you: yoga, sitting quietly, a walk outside. It isn’t selfish. When you’re running on empty you have less to give everyone else, and the ordinary hard days get harder.

Notice what’s happening right now

Mindfulness just means paying attention to the present moment without grading it. It sounds too simple to matter. But once you’re in the habit of noticing, you start to see what sets you off, and that gives you a second to choose how you respond instead of reacting on autopilot.

Stay in touch with people

Spend time with the people you love. Join a group, or volunteer for something you care about. When things get hard, it helps a lot to feel like you aren’t carrying it alone.

Take breaks, and say no

Rest when you need to. You don’t have to earn it first. Then look at everything you’ve said yes to. If a commitment doesn’t fit what you actually care about, saying no to it frees up time and energy for the things that do. Most of us find that uncomfortable, and it does get easier with practice.