Recently, I’ve found myself feeling overwhelmed with everything in life.

We’ve all been there – that feeling of drowning in a sea of responsibilities, tasks, and emotions.

Overwhelm is a common emotion in today’s fast-paced world, and understanding why it creeps into our lives is the first step towards taming it.

There’s Just Too Much Going On
One major culprit behind overwhelm is the constant influx of information.

Our digital devices bombard us with news, notifications, and messages, leaving our minds in a perpetual state of stimulation.

It’s no wonder our mental and emotional bandwidth gets maxed out!

Top Tip: The first step to combating overwhelm is to simplify and prioritise. Try organising your day and break it down into manageable chunks with a daily planner; like this one from Papier.

Imposter Syndrome and Rising Pressure
Society’s expectations and the pressures we place on ourselves play a significant role in overwhelm.

The need to excel in every aspect of life – career, relationships, personal growth – can create an insurmountable mountain of goals to conquer.

The constant comparison on social media doesn’t help either, fueling a sense of inadequacy and imposter syndrome.

Top Tip: Do you really know how much time you spend doom-scrolling perfectly curated Instagram feeds and unrealistic Tik Toks? Start monitoring your screen time and make efforts to reduce it. Spend less time looking at the lives of others and more time building the life you want!

The Clock is Always Ticking
Time, or the lack of it, is another factor that pushes us towards overwhelm. Balancing work, family, social commitments, and personal time often feels like walking a tightrope. The fear of missing out (FOMO) on opportunities or experiences can lead to overcommitting and, consequently, burnout.

Top Tip: First of all, realise that you are not missing out. Whatever you have decided to do in that moment is what you needed to do. Missed a party to have a self care night in instead? It was meant to be that way and your soul will thank you!

Boundaries in a Boundaryless World
In today’s interconnected world, distinguishing between work and personal life has become increasingly challenging. The blurring of boundaries can make it hard to switch off from work mode, resulting in a constant state of being “on.”

Top Tip: Dedicate time to self-care and self-development. If working from home – set a clear time to start and finish and take regular breaks to move your body and reset your mind.

Acknowledging overwhelm is the first step towards managing it.

Allow yourself to feel what you’re feeling without judgment. It’s okay to admit when things get too much!

Overwhelm is a shared human experience, a response to the demands of our modern lives.

By identifying its sources – the information avalanche, pressures, time challenges, and blurred boundaries – we can take deliberate steps to regain control. Embracing strategies to simplify, prioritiSe, and seek support can help us navigate the overwhelming waves and find a sense of calm within the chaos.