One of my clients is going through significant challenges, and we’ve had several “emergency calls” over the past couple of weeks to help her work through those challenges.

We’ve all been there – those moments when career and life throw a curveball at you, the stress and frustration seem impossible to navigate, and the desire to quit everything feels stronger than ever. 

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed occasionally, but giving in to that urge to quit might not be the best path forward, especially when your emotions are clouding informed decision-making.

Fortunately, my client could tap into me for support to process her emotions and develop a strategy. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are some techniques you can try on your own.

Take a Breath
It might sound simple, but taking a moment to breathe deeply can work wonders when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Close your eyes, take a few slow, deep breaths, and give your mind a chance to reset. You’ll be surprised at how much calmer you’ll feel.

Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Remember that you’re human, and having moments of self-doubt is normal. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d offer a friend in a similar situation.

Learn from Past Experiences
Reflect on times when you felt overwhelmed in the past and how you handled it. What worked, and what didn’t? Use those lessons to better cope with your current situation.

Gain Clarity
Instead of dwelling on the challenges, ask yourself, “What do I want and need?” Gain clarity on the ideal path forward. Imagine you have everything you need to create your destiny – what would that look like for you? Reflecting on your needs is not selfish; it’s the first step towards building healthy boundaries.

Create Healthy Boundaries
Sometimes, we get overwhelmed because we’ve taken on too much or we put the needs of others above our own. It’s essential to set healthy boundaries in your personal and professional life. One way to do this is to say “no” or “not now” or negotiate to remove something from your plate before adding anything new. Another way to do this is to ask for help. Ask your significant other to take on some of your responsibilities at home or outsource some of those responsibilities. 

Reflect and Decide
Before making any decisions in the heat of the moment, give yourself some time to reflect. Journaling can be a fantastic tool for this. Write down your thoughts, feelings, and possible solutions. This will help you make more informed choices rather than impulsive ones.

Seek Support
You don’t have to go it alone. Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues for support and advice. Sharing your feelings and getting a fresh perspective can be incredibly helpful.

If you need more support, consider hiring a coach. The benefit of working with a coach is that you can discuss your situation in a safe, non-judgmental space where you can be vulnerable and authentic. 

Whether you work with me or another certified coach, you can rest assured that you will receive the support you need to make meaningful progress toward your goals.

If you want to learn more about working with a coach, feel free to schedule a no-obligation complimentary consultation with me.

Wishing you the best!