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 every day on reducing stress, building resiliency and methods to 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
- Breathe
- Give yourself permission to feel your emotions fully
- Describe the emotions
- Describe the sensations in your body or mind
- Journal your thoughts until there are no more
- Enjoy a cup of tea or something soothing
- Take a bubble bath or shower
- Turn on your favourite music, sing, and dance
- Take some time in nature
- Watch a comedy for a good laugh
- Take a walk or go for a run
- Have a good cry
- Do a guided meditation
- Make your favorite meal
- Take a nap or have a good sleep
- Hang out with your favorite pet
- Write a list of all the things you are grateful for
- Take a yoga class
- Call a friend or loved one
- Volunteer in your community
- Read your favorite book or something totally new
- Call a friend and go to a movie
- Go for lunch or dinner with a friend
- Do something creative, paint, draw, or color
- Listen to something inspirational
- Life of Wellness – EFT Tapping
- Find a chore to do around the house
- Organize a room in your home
- Stay hydrated
- Make a list of all the things you have already survived
- Check something off your to-do list
- Write down your strengths
- Take a hike, spend some time at the beach
- Make an appointment with a coach
- Take some time to step away
- Take a mental health day
- Ask for help!
- Enroll someone in taking on some of the pressure
- Call an old friend get reconnected
- 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
- Take a cooking class
- Go to a museum
- Go to the park and listen to children playing
- Repeat your favourite positive affirmation
- Ask yourself what would your grandma or mom say
- Have a games night with friends and family
- Watch your favourite movie
- Go for a drive
- Go visit an animal shelter
- Talk to your doctor
If you feel emotionally overwhelmed for an extended period of time, you may benefit from seeing a mental health professional.
Do you have a favourite thing that helps you? Share it in the comments!