Dealing With Overwhelm (Overwhelmed Series Part 1)

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When I first learned what it means to be overwhelmed, I felt I had finally found the right term for what I was going through most days.

That’s where the magic started. I researched everything I could on how to handle and manage overwhelm. And in this post today I will explain 

what it means to feel overwhelmed, types of overwhelm, how to know if you’re in a state of overwhelm, and what to do about it.

What does it mean to feel overwhelmed and how many types of overwhelm are there?

There are plenty of definitions of overwhelm, but this is the best and simplest definition I found: 

When we say something is overwhelming, or when we say we feel overwhelmed, what we mean is that thing or those emotions affect us very strongly, and we do not know how to deal with them. They overpower us. 

Also, if something is overwhelming you, it’s often in large quantities; it feels huge, and like more than you can handle at that moment! 

For instance, if you feel overwhelmed by your tasks, you likely have too many tasks to do and don’t know where to start or what next steps to take.

I find that when we’re overwhelmed, our brains freeze and we feel we can’t focus on that particular agenda. It becomes hard to keep things in perspective. 

Now, this brings us to the question: How many types of overwhelm are there?

 

Types of overwhelm

You can be overwhelmed by both internal and external things.

When we feel overwhelmed by internal things, we get flooded by emotion.

Emotional overwhelm is a state in which you feel intense emotions that are difficult to manage. It immediately affects your ability to think and act rationally. 

For most, overwhelm is the point we get to when we can no longer think straight.

I’ve also found that, in some instances, overwhelm might prevent you from performing daily tasks. 

When we’re emotionally overwhelmed, our brains start racing with thoughts. We feel rushed like our brain is on fire and under pressure! It can be a very uncomfortable feeling. 

You will find we tend to react when we get overwhelmed, either externally or internally. 

But before we dig deeper, let’s first have a look at the signs that indicate you could be undergoing overwhelm.

Other Related Posts

• 4 Causes and Solutions for When You Feel Overwhelmed  (Overwhelmed Series part 2) 
• How to Process and Handle General Overwhelm Overwhelmed Series part 3

 

 Am I Overwhelmed? How to Know When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed: Signs of Overwhelm

For the longest time, I struggled with overwhelm but didn’t know it. From my experience, overwhelm can be tricky to recognise because what it looks and feels like can vary. 

Most people are struggling with overwhelm, and they, unfortunately, are not aware of it. 

They will sometimes think they are crazy or that life just isn’t going well for them. If there is one thing I want you to learn from this post, it’s that you are not alone. We easily overwhelmed people are in this together.

I have managed to handle overwhelm, and I would like to help as many women as possible to do the same. But first things first, what are the common signs of overwhelm?

When you are feeling overwhelmed, it may be difficult for you to pinpoint exactly why. But when you have an idea of the signs of overwhelm, you may be in a better position than before. 

 

Different Ways You Can Be Overwhelmed without Even Knowing It.

Sometimes when you get overwhelmed you might not even be aware of what’s happening.

 Here are a few things that signal overwhelm creeping in!

• Excitement beyond control
• Sudden irritability
• Fits of crying or laughter
• Lack of focus
• Inability to complete even simple tasks.
• Inability to know what to do next. 
• Feeling angry, but not knowing why
• Angry outbursts
• Inability to perform daily tasks
• Feeling confused
• Feeling like your brain is on fire 
• Inability to concentrate
• Impatience
• Feeling moody

You may notice consequences such as: 

• • Feeling irritated
  • Feeling like there’s not enough time and it’s all too much
  • Feeling tired 
  • Wanting to give up, 
  • Procrastinating more than usual
  • Withdrawing from friends and family.
  • Feeling like everything is insurmountable so there’s no point in trying
  • Your overriding urge is to hide under the duvet.  

What Next?

You have learnt what overwhelm is, how to tell if you’re overwhelmed, and signs of overwhelm. 

What do you think so far? Have you experienced overwhelm? If so, then check Part 2 of this overwhelm series which is about the common causes of overwhelm and their step by step solutions.

If you liked this post and want to learn more about overwhelm and productivity, then make sure you join our FREE VIP community for overwhelmed and highly sensitive women. As a welcome gift, I will share with you 3 secrets that actually work for easily overwhelmed and highly sensitive people.

Let me ask you, do you ever feel easily overwhelmed by the amount of things you have to do every day? Enter your best email address where I can send you the 3 secrets to productivity for overwhelmed and highly sensitive souls. 

 

Much love, 

Frida.

Other Related Posts

• 4 Causes and Solutions for When You Feel Overwhelmed  (Overwhelmed Series part 2) 
• How to Process and Handle General Overwhelm Overwhelmed Series part 3