5 Ways To Quiet The Overwhelm During The Holidays

Recently I had a friend reach out and ask me what I do when things feel overwhelming, when everyone is dependent on you, when you are at your wits end…ironic enough it was the very same week I was feeling like I was stuck in a pinball machine.

A death in the family, work, farm, work trips, figuring out dog care that was now not available…everything was piling up and my brain felt like it was going to explode.

When life gets overwhelming for me I like to hide and find quiet. As a child I would run and hide because I was avoiding and didn’t want to deal. After going to therapy in high school I learned that wasn’t the best way to solve problems.

So now as an adult I find quiet; not to run away or avoid, but to quiet the noise and be able to calm down. This way I can respond to the situation(s) instead of react. 

As moms we can especially feel the emotional overwhelm of everyone on our shoulders; including our own emotional overwhelm.

We are the safe space for our kids who are learning how to even understand what they’re feeling. We are the ears to listen to how we can help our husbands solve problems. 

There is so much going on in your brain that it can be hard to hear yourself think…it’s hard to hear God. 

So what can you do when the overwhelm becomes too much?

5 Things You Can Do To Quiet the Noise

1. Read Your Bible 

   Find a verse on what you’re currently experiencing. We can look to so many things, but His Word speaks truth and guides you

2. Take A Shower

   I’m serious. Now, you might not be due for a hair wash (so grab a shower cap) and jump in. There’s something so therapeutic about washing the day away. 

3. Workout

   Get some endorphins! A walk outside(extra points for sunshine), get in a quick strength workout, go boxing - whatever it is for you, you won’t regret getting in a workout. 

4. Call A Friend 

   Someone who you can call that always points you to the Lord. They hear you out and validate what you’re going through, but always guide you back to truth. 

5. Get Out Your Journal

   Writing all those thoughts out on paper where only you can see can help relieve a huge weight lifted off your shoulders. You leave room in your brain for all the good things and get rid of the negative. 

6. BONUS ➡️ Take a Short Nap

   Yes! Get some shut eye if you can. Ask your husband to go outside with the kids or build LEGOS. A quick power nap is shown to reduce feelings of stress, improve focus and regulate emotions. 

Now, all this to say I do not get it right all the time.

I have days where I still want to run and hide away from all the problems or lash out because I can’t figure out what’s going on in my brain. 

However, this list is something I have set up so that I can figure out which thing could help me. Sometimes I will choose 2 or 3, but do them at different points in the day. 

This list is merely a suggestion to you in hopes that it can help you have a few go-to’s in times of overwhelm. 

What is something you do to help you relieve stress in a way that is beneficial to your overall health?

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