Struggling is a normal part of being human; however, you shouldn’t be constantly in the middle of it or going through it alone. Whether you feel overwhelmed mentally, emotionally exhausted, or you are just not quite sure why daily life feels so much harder than it should, it can be tiring when you don’t know what to do. However, if you are aware of just a few small steps that you can take that can support you, it can make a big and meaningful difference. This blog post will look at grounded, realistic steps to help you go in the direction of finding a little clarity and regaining stability when times get tough.
Acknowledge without judgement
The first and most important step in your journey is actually acknowledging that you are struggling in life right now. Many people will try to get rid of this feeling, resist it, think it is weak or wrong, minimize it, or believe they should be able to cope better with it. This often fuels the fire and makes it a lot worse than it is. It is important to know that struggling is not a failure; it is information. It is telling you that something in your life, whether that is your internal world or your environment, needs attention. Take a moment to name what you are feeling, e.g., stress, sadness, which can create space for understanding instead of self-criticism. When you then remove judgment, you can respond with care rather than pressure.
Slow down
More often than not, when you are in a state of overwhelm, you may go into overdrive and feel like everything is urgent. This could be your nervous system in a state of stress. It can feel like everything is impossible. However, it is important that you start to slow your actions down in these moments and focus on your immediate needs. Ask yourself if you are hydrated, if you have eaten, and if you have had enough sleep. See if your basic needs have been met, and slowly work towards meeting them.
Consider underlying causes
If you find yourself in a constant state of overwhelm, there may come a point where it is not about motivation or effort, but it is about unmet needs or undiagnosed challenges. Some adults learn late in life that their struggles have a reason behind them. When you learn about something underlying, you can then set up your environment to work for you, rather than against you. For example, difficulty focusing, chronic procrastination, and emotional overwhelm may be linked to undiagnosed ADHD. Learning about assessment options, such as a private adult adhd assessment, can be really empowering. This can help you with clarity and validation, as well as tailored strategies to be able to better understand what your needs are and how you can meet them to reduce overwhelm and daily struggles.
If you find yourself struggling, know that you are not alone. Consider acknowledging how you feel, reducing judgment, slowing down, and seeking support.
