How to Care for Yourself When You Feel Overwhelmed

We live in a modern business world filled with many things that occupy our calendar, life and mental bandwidth.  When we take a minute to consider all the hats we wear and roles we have in life, leadership and business, it can be overwhelming.  In my journey, there are seasons where things seem to be running on all cylinders, smoothly and effectively.  Then, there are seasons where the complete opposite happens.  There are seasons where I feel like the work, the commitments and everything that is a part of my life, family and business is just too much to handle. 

During these times, it’s important to find clarity by defining what is truly important. The definition of overwhelm varies for everyone, but it often stems from unmanaged stress, scattered emotions, and the feeling of losing control.

Can you relate to feeling overwhelmed and needing care?

I speak to many business leaders who share this challenge with me, and it prompted me to share a few quick thoughts regrading what to do when you are overwhelmed. I hope they are helpful and serve you.

If you’re searching for direction on how to handle these moments, know that there are valuable resources available to guide you. Many find relief in mindfulness techniques, while others seek information from professionals in leadership and stress management.

1. Remember that there are seasons in life and business. There will be seasons of calm and seasons of storms.  This happens to everybody, and the first and most important thing is to recognize when one of these seasons may be approaching so you can mentally prepare for it. Acknowledging when you feel overwhelmed is the first step toward regaining balance, and seeking services, resources, or mentorship can provide the care and direction needed to navigate stress effectively. Your mind plays a crucial role in processing emotions, and shifting your focus from what feels unmanageable to actionable steps can help you take control of your day. Words of encouragement, positive affirmations, and practical strategies can make all the difference in overcoming overwhelm and maintaining well-being.
2. State it out it out loud. My family and I are currently in a season of a lot of overwhelming things.  Business, sports, travel, launching new things, kids starting school, with one starting a completely new school.  We recently sat as a family just to state out loud: “this is going to be a busy and overwhelming season, but we are doing it together.” By verbalizing our emotions and stress, we can redefine our challenges and find comfort in shared experiences. Even a single word of reassurance can shift our mindset toward growth.
3. Asking for help and support is essential when feeling overwhelmed, yet many business leaders try to navigate stressful seasons alone. Leadership is not about doing everything independently; rather, it is about knowing when to seek guidance and use available resources to find direction. The ability to lead effectively through challenges comes from resilience, collaboration, and the willingness to access professional services, mentorship, or peer support. By reaching out, you can ease the burden, manage emotions, and take better care of your mind and overall health, ensuring that stress does not hinder your growth.
4. Don’t try to accomplish everything. Just accomplish the next most important thing. 
5. Say “no” to things. Saying “no” and eliminating things from the calendar that are not serving your current purpose and plans are a must.  Some people have a hard time saying “no” to things, me included.  Do it anyway. A key part of self-care is understanding your limits. Saying “no” is not a sign of weakness but rather a strategy to protect your energy and prioritize what truly matters.
6. Get very intentional with your calendar. Make sure blocks of time are planned out and intentional in your calendar. Using your time wisely means structuring your day with purpose. Whether through digital resources, planning tools, or expert guidance, having clear directions on what needs to be done can make all the difference. 
7. Always make time for your health, both physically and mentally. In my experience, I have found that when I am in one of these seasons, being physically and mentally prepared, alert and healthy is the key to navigating well.
8. Don’t be fooled. Remember that people may look like life is perfect, put together, smooth and easy, especially on social media.  Please know that we all deal with these seasons of life and business whether we post it or not.
9. Stay the course, even when you are feeling overwhelmed, because achieving a big dream, goal, calling, or purpose takes time and persistence. There will be roadblocks, challenges, and moments of stress that test your emotions and mind, but staying committed to your direction is key. No matter how difficult things feel, trust that progress is happening, and with the right resources, care, and information, you can continue to move forward. Success is rarely straightforward, but by leading yourself with focus, finding the right support, and managing overwhelm effectively, you can navigate the journey with confidence.

I hope this blog brings you some practical advice and peace as you may be navigating an overwhelming season in your life, leadership, and business, and provides clarity on what to do when you are overwhelmed.

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