Are you overwhelmed? It’s actually one of the worst symptoms of Adultitis. Feeling overwhelmed stinks and let’s be honest, adulthood sure invites this daily, with the bills and responsibilities and all. It’s suffocating. I wish I would’ve 
known when I was five just how good I had it. Being overwhelmed can leave you feeling like you’re submerged in quicksand and you’re watching yourself sink deeper and deeper. Yikes! It clouds your mind, leaving you with little more than a zombie existence, until you’re able to snap out it. But how do you do that? You must prescribe for yourself one (or more) of the following nine treatment plans. Good luck!
1. Nap Attack
Sleep! Everyone loves it. Life is always better after you’ve gotten some Z’s. I am fond of the 20-minute recharge, myself. I look at power naps as if you’re restarting your computer. Start over with a fresher mind.
2. Scribble Scrabble
Many times overwhelm is the result of a very long to-do list existing only in your head. Grad a yellow pad and get it out. Write until your head is empty and you’ll have less clutter upstairs.3. Laugh Like Crazy
One night while dealing with a teething infant I was starting to hit my limit. I turned on the TV and happened upon one of my favorite comedians, Jim Gaffigan. I laughed and laughed… and in no time at all, I was ready for another round of mama vs. teething.
4. Talk the Walk
Go for a walk with your best friend and hash it out. The combination of endorphins, friendship, and bringing your thoughts from your head to your mouth will culminate and leave you feeling much better.
5. Get Outside of Yourself
Take a minute to say a prayer. Breathe deep and meditate. Be mindful of the big picture and surrender the stress. Being mindful of God and putting your heart in a place where you’re open to love and peace seems to work for me every time.
6. I Scream, You Scream
This is not a tip about eating a large ice cream sundae, although I’ve never known that to hurt. Instead, go to a place of solitude (the car is a good choice) and scream at the top of your lungs. It feels awesome!
7. Your Favorite Thing
Julie Andrews knew what she was talking about in the movie, Sound of Music. Focusing on the things you like, versus the things that overwhelm you can often snap you out of your funk. Play “your” song, don your favorite shirt, eat your yummiest meal, buy your favoritest flowers for the kitchen.
8. Bread & Water
Chill out anti-carb folks… I’m not pushing bread. The point of this one is to make sure you are eating enough healthy food and drinking lots of water. You are much more susceptible to Adultitis when you are neglecting to nourish yourself properly.
9. Hit the Breaks
Change your plans so that you have time to regroup. Get a sitter or just make it a lazy family night with movies and pizza. Change your mindset about the personal expectations of the next 24 hours in order to reset yourself.
10. Turn Your Frown Upside Down
Smiles are contagious. Just by smiling you can cheer yourself up. So, do it! Do it! The old mantra is true…”Fake it ’til ya make it.”
Kim:
Great tips! I agree with you on a lot of these and have used some of these myself. I love naps and anything more than 20 minutes will likely leave you more tired. And I have done the screaming in your car thing at a previous job – I used to call it primal scream therapy. It worked. This is a great list, thanks!
What rot!
This is wonderful! I agree about the scream – very helpful in times of high stress or grief.
It is so easy to get trapped in a repeating cycle of feeling overwhelmed – just spinning your wheels. These are great suggestions to step outside for a moment a gain a little perspective. Great article!