Your mind races and you can’t hold a thought, your gut burns and it’s hard to breathe. You can’t sleep, though you’re exhausted. You’re wired and depressed at the same time.  You have demands to meet, things to get done, decisions to make –  yet you stand like a deer in the headlights, unable to move as life keeps barreling toward you.

 
Try these three steps to stop feeling overwhelmed by emotions, life, and the energy of others. Nothing changes if nothing changes, so it’s time to try something new.

 
First, find yourself, then you’ll find the answers.
You can’t solve problems from the state you’re in, and the worry and anxiety that got you there don’t help either.  Thinking more, working harder, moving faster are counterproductive. Your priority right now is peace.  What is the quickest, healthy way to move your mind to a more peaceful state?  Do this now. You’re taking action, but in a way that brings you to the place that will allow you to move forward.   Get outside, breathe deeply and slowly. Check out free guided meditation apps like insighttimer.com  or www.headspace.com

 
Time solves many problems.
What feels critical to act on immediately may not be – everything is not a fire drill.   Time reveals information and answers you don’t have right now, and it’s the not knowing that contributes to being overwhelmed.  Often the best action is no action until you are clearer on what to do. Allow yourself time to “sleep on it,” or set a problem aside for a specific time with the intention of coming back to address it head-on. This isn’t procrastination, it’s purposefully planning to deal with one thing at a time, at the right time.

 
Get in reality. 
Bring yourself into the moment by focusing on basic survival.  Remind yourself of the immediate truth like “I’m safe. I have food. I have shelter. I am loved. I am healthy,” to calm the panicked voice driving your fear and anxiety.  Being in the moment gives you solid ground to stand on. Changing your thoughts to what’s working, even in small ways, calms your emotions and signals your body to settle down as well.
Being overwhelmed is a sign you’re disconnected – from yourself, your body, your Spirit, and others. Stepping back and checking in gets you plugged back into the source of your power to let you see you really will be OK.

Photo by Camille Orgel on Unsplash.com