Life can often feel like a never-ending whirlwind of responsibilities, deadlines, and expectations. These experiences can leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unclear as to how we can move forward in our lives. While dealing with these feelings can be extremely challenging, in these moments, it is crucial for us to prioritize self-care and make time to nourish our minds, bodies, and spirits. By incorporating simple yet effective practices into our daily routines, we can begin to restore balance to our lives while reconnecting to our sense of inner peace. 

Read on to explore a few practical self-care strategies to help you navigate moments of overwhelm: 

1. Pause and Breathe Deep. In the first moment when we notice ourselves spiraling into overwhelm, we must allow ourselves to slow down and take a pause. Regardless of how many items you have on your to-do list, it is imperative that you offer yourself this moment of intentional breathing and rest. When the feelings of intense anxiety and/or overwhelm hit- stop, place one hand over your heart and one over your belly, and begin to breathe deeply in through your nose, exhaling fully and deeply out through your mouth like a sigh. Take 5-10 deep, full breaths just like this. Affirm to yourself as you breathe: “I am safe at this moment. All is well in my world. I am capable of moving forward with peace and trust.”
2. Establish and uphold strong boundaries. One of the most effective ways to combat overwhelm is to establish and uphold healthy boundaries. Oftentimes, we find ourselves in a state of overwhelm due to a lack of boundaries, or someone overstepping them. Learn to say no when necessary and set realistic limits on your time and commitments. Commit to prioritizing your well-being by recognizing your limits and understanding that it's okay (and necessary) to put yourself and your needs first. By doing so, you create space for self-care and prevent burnout and overwhelm, before these feelings feel insurmountable. 
3. Connect with Nature. Nature has a powerful impact on our mental and emotional wellbeing. Spending time in nature tends to ground us and help us to see the bigger picture of our life. Changing up your environment can also help to restore and rebalance your mind and body so that you feel more energized and capable of facing life head on. Remember, sometimes the most productive thing you can do is rest; so when your feelings of overwhelm and anxiety arise, this may be a sign to pause, and get outside. Try a short mindfulness walk, sitting at your local park, or finding a natural body of water to rest beside. Even sitting in the sun for a few minutes can help. 

In the face of anxiety and overwhelm, self care is vital. Practice engaging in feel-good activities such as these to balance and soothe your mental and emotional body. Remember that you are worthy of prioritizing your needs, caring for yourself, and upholding protective boundaries!