Overwhelmed? 8 ways to alleviate those bad feelings

Suffocation is an analogy equated often with the feeling of being overwhelmed. No wonder it can be so paralyzing.

Feeling overwhelmed leads to poor productivity, stress, emotional upheaval and, according to Psychcentral. com, anger, helplessness and panic attacks, with possible symptoms of rapid heartbeat, sweating, chest pain and shortness of breath.

People become overwhelmed for a range of reasons, such as the birth of a child, death of a loved one, a move, a job change, having overnight visitors and more.

Psychcentral.com’s strategies to help alleviate feeling overwhelmed include:

• Accept the anxiety and, “Think of acceptance as riding out a wave.”

• Replace unrealistic or unreasonable thoughts with helpful thoughts: “I know I’m feeling overwhelmed right now, but if I take a break, I may feel differently about this when I return.”

• Breathe. Deep breathing as well as guided imagery, tai chi and yoga can lead to a more relaxed mind and body.

• Take a break from overwhelming activity; listen to music, read a book or take a walk, for example.

Because being overwhelmed is especially detrimental in a work environment, businesses often encourage employees to consider ways to chill out, including these four Inc. offered as part of its

“17 Things to Do When You’re Feeling Totally Overwhelmed”:

• Schedule an exercise break.

• Delegate: “... ask colleagues and friends for help. They’ll give you the chance to return the favor sometime.”

• Write stuff down as lists or in a journal; tasks and schedules often become more manageable in writing versus trying to keep track mentally.

• Take a nap. A 30-minute catnap is a refresher for many individuals; some companies are designating rooms with comfortable chairs so employees can take a short rest and return to work refreshed and less overwhelmed.

Also important, insists Inc., is drinking enough water, charting progress and staying organized.