Why Do I Feel Overwhelmed All the Time?

Do you ever feel like there's just too much going on? Like your brain is too full, and you don't know what to do next? If so, you're not alone! Many people feel this way, and it can be really tough. But why does it happen, and how can you make it better?

Why Do We Feel Overwhelmed?

Feeling overwhelmed happens when we have more to do than we think we can handle. According to Smith et al. (2022), stress can make it harder for us to think clearly and stay calm. This makes small problems seem really big.

Common Reasons We Feel Overwhelmed

• Too Much Information – Emails, texts, and social media can make our brains feel overloaded.

• Trying to Be Perfect – If you think everything has to be just right, even simple things can feel really hard.

• Too Many Responsibilities – If you say “yes” to everything, you might not have enough time for yourself.

• Big Feelings – Ignoring emotions can make them build up, making things feel even harder.

Ways to Feel Less Overwhelmed

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a way to help people change their thoughts and behaviors to feel better. Here are some easy CBT tricks you can try:

1. Change Negative Thoughts

Ask yourself: Is this really true? If you think, “I’ll never get this done,” try saying, “I can do this if I take it one step at a time.”

2. Make a To-Do List

Write down what you need to do and put the most important things first. Breaking big tasks into smaller steps can help too.

3. Stay in the Present

Try deep breathing or the 5-4-3-2-1 trick: Name five things you see, four things you touch, three things you hear, two things you smell, and one thing you taste.

4. Learn to Say No

You don’t have to do everything! Saying “no” to extra tasks can give you more time to relax and focus on what really matters.

Supplements That Might Help

If you’re feeling stressed, some natural supplements might help:

1. Magnesium

This mineral helps the body relax. If you don’t get enough, you might feel more stressed.

2. Ashwagandha

This herb can help lower stress and make you feel calmer.

3. L-Theanine

Found in green tea, this can help you relax and focus at the same time.

Final Thoughts

If you feel overwhelmed a lot, know that you’re not alone. Using these tricks, taking breaks, and talking to someone can really help. If you’re still struggling, Dana Hatwig Barich at ACHIEVE Psychiatric Wellness Center can give you extra support. She holds advanced certifications in Anxiety and Attention Deficit disorders and has outstanding patient reviews. Click here to schedule a discussion...

Reference: Smith, J., Doe, A., & Johnson, L. (2022). Cognitive Load and Stress: Understanding the Impact of Mental Overload on Everyday Functioning. Journal of Mental Health Studies, 35(4), 215-230.