6 Ways to De-Stress When You're Overwhelmed

By Kailey Walters on July 3, 2018

There’s no denying that when the going gets tough, sometimes you need a break. After all, dealing with the stressors of everyday life can really take a toll at times. If you ever get to a point of being unable to function any longer — no matter what you’re dealing with, whether it be school, work, personal problems, etc. — it may be a good idea to take a step back momentarily and figure out some ways to de-stress, instead of hopelessly wading through the muck only to find yourself sinking further.

So overwhelmed that you don’t even know where to begin? No worries. Read on for a few simple tips on how to de-stress when you’re feeling a bit bombarded by life.

via Pexels

1. Take a nap.

Okay, so maybe this sounds a little bit like trying to run away from your problems. And of course, napping won’t magically make everything go away. But if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed due to fatigue (e.g. not getting enough sleep at night), you are certainly entitled to a good nap.

That’s not to say you should sleep the entire day away. Rather, 20-30 minutes is the ideal length of time for a nap so that it can re-energize you, by giving you that burst of energy you need to finish the rest of the day strong. It can freshen both your mind and body so that you feel better equipped to tackle any obstacles that come your way with a clear mind.

What’s more, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Let me sleep on it,” before they make a big decision. There’s a good reason why people take a little siesta before they decide on something important — when they wake up, they can (hopefully) look at the situation with fresh eyes and a clear mind.

2. Journal.

This might not be for everyone, but if you tend to express yourself well on paper (or even on a computer screen), journaling could be a good stress-relieving option. Free-write to simply dump out your thoughts in whatever form you wish, and feel free to be as angry, depressed, moody, and genuine as you truly want to be! Remember, this journaling thing is entirely for you, so express yourself in whatever way is most effective in helping you to de-stress.

3. Exercise.

For many people, exercise is an effective and healthy way to de-stress when things get a little too overwhelming. The kind of exercise you choose is completely up to you. Whether you enjoy lifting weights, doing yoga, or going for a run, the physical movement is sure to get the blood pumping in your body and make you feel more energized after a good workout. What’s more, exercising can improve your mood, which hopefully will translate into a more positive attitude when it comes to dealing with stress.

via Pexels

4. Talk to someone.

If you find it more helpful to verbalize your thoughts rather than write them down, go ahead and have a conversation with someone (preferably someone who is willing to listen to you and can possibly offer helpful feedback). Telling someone you trust about the overwhelming, stressful things in your life may help to lift that burden off your shoulders, so that you know you’re not going through it alone. What’s even better is knowing that the other person is there to listen to you thoughtfully; they are there for you and want to hear what you have to say. And if they are able to offer some sort of feedback or advice, it will be nice to know that they care enough to help you through your situation.

5. Get creative.

Another great way to help yourself de-stress is to do something fun and creative. Everyone has different interests, be it painting, writing, playing an instrument, or anything else that brings you joy and gets your creative juices flowing. Doing something creative will not only temporarily get your mind off of whatever’s stressing you out, but it will also allow you to be productive in other fun ways.

6. Listen to some music.

Listening to the right kind of music is another great option to help yourself de-stress. Grab your playlist of favorite songs and give yourself over to the music for a little while. The environment in which you decide to listen to your music is important, too. Find a space that makes you feel comfortable and calm (like your room or someplace in nature) and park yourself there for some time. Maybe even close your eyes and let the music wash over you.

Ultimately, if you’re feeling stressed out and don’t know how to handle it, take a step back and try to figure out something that will help you feel more calm and at peace. There are many ways to de-stress in a healthy and effective manner!

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