50 ways to care for overwhelm

Emotional Overwhelm

Emotional overwhelm may be caused by stress, traumatic life experiences, relationship issues, and much more. 

As a Yoga therapist and Yoga Teacher Trainer, I work with people daily to reduce stress, build resiliency, and create ease. Even with all of that, I get overwhelmed and need support. One of the things I’ve come to learn is that we all need help. We all need our community and ways to calm ourselves.

50 ways to care for overwhelm

1. Breathe
2. Permit yourself to feel your emotions fully
3. Describe the emotions
4. Describe the sensations in your body or mind
5. Journal your thoughts until there are no more
6. Enjoy a cup of tea or something soothing
7. Take a bubble bath or shower
8. Turn on your favorite music, sing, and dance
9. Take some time in nature
10. Watch a comedy for a good laugh
11. Take a walk or go for a run
12. Have a good cry
13. Do a guided meditation
14. Make your favorite meal
15. Take a nap or have a good sleep
16. Hang out with your favorite pet
17. Write a list of all the things you are grateful for
18. Take a yoga class
19. Call a friend or loved one
20. Volunteer in your community
21. Read your favorite book or something new
22. Call a friend and go to a movie
23. Go for lunch or dinner with a friend
24. Do something creative, paint, draw, or color
25. Listen to something inspirational
26. EFT Tapping
27. Find a chore to do around the house
28. Organize a room in your home
29. Stay hydrated
30. Make a list of all the things you have already survived
31. Check something off your to-do list
32. Write down your strengths
33. Take a hike, spend some time at the beach
34. Make an appointment with a coach
35. Take some time to step away
36. Take a mental health day
37. Ask for help!
38. Enroll someone in taking on some of the pressure
39. Call an old friend and get reconnected
40. Close your eyes and listen to your heart’s answer to this question, “what do I need right now” and then do what it says
41. Take a cooking class
42. Go to a museum
43. Go to the park and listen to children playing
44. Repeat your favorite positive affirmation
45. Ask yourself what would your grandma or mom say
46. Have a games night with friends and family
47. Watch your favorite movie
48. Go for a drive
49. Visit an animal shelter
50. Talk to your doctor

If you feel emotionally overwhelmed for an extended period, you may benefit from seeing a mental health professional.

Do you have a favorite thing that helps you? Please share it in the comments!