6 Steps you can take to stop feeling overwhelmed

May 20, 2025/Julie Stobbe/

Reading time – 5 minutes

In my first two blogs about feeling overwhelmed, I talked about 7 Things to Remember When You Feel Overwhelmed and How to Deal with Constantly Feeling Overwhelmed.

It’s 2 PM, and you are frustrated because you have accomplished nothing. Your list is still as long as your arm and more has been piled on your plate. Your heart starts racing while you get more agitated at your circumstances.

Then it hits – the feelings of overwhelm threaten to drown you. It’s possible to rein in those feelings of overwhelm and kick them to the curb. If you let these feelings get out of control, your body will reap the negative consequences, including poor eating, exercising and sleeping habits.

How to Stop Feeling Overwhelmed

Are you ready to stop the feelings of overwhelm that threaten to overtake you? Put these six steps into practice:

Determine What Is Triggering the Feeling of Overwhelm: What started these feelings? For example, were you late to work because you overslept after staying up too late watching movies or working on a project? You look around and your home is a big mess and you can’t find anything? Take note and write it down if you need to.
Reframe Your Feelings: You will probably be full of negative thoughts and emotions. Instead of giving in to anger or hopelessness, replace it with empowerment and determination to tackle what is before you.
Sit Up Straight: As you feel overwhelmed, you may respond physically by hunching forward and taking shallow breaths. Take a moment to straighten up and take several deep belly breaths. The change will reinforce to your brain that you are switching emotions. You are in control.
Decide on One Small Step You Can Take Right Now: Look over your list, and decide on a tiny thing you can do at that moment, and do it. Once it is accomplished, pat yourself on the back and choose another task. With each one, you slowly tackle those items that have been weighing you down. Also, you reinforce to yourself that you can get things done.
Get Over What You Can’t Control: Focusing on things you cannot control is a waste of time, energy, and emotions. If you can do something about a situation, then take action. However, if you cannot, why not relax and let worry slip away?
Guard Your Calendar: Remember a significant culprit to being overwhelmed is not protecting your time. It is okay to say no and leave some white space on your calendar. It is up to you to ensure keep your calendar free from being overbooked.

You can beat the feelings of overwhelm by being proactive and getting your emotions under control. Once you do, you will be empowered to knock out that To-Do list and protect your time.

If you need help with these steps, let’s work together virtually to keep you accountable. Success is in your future.

Julie Stobbe is the 2024-2025 winner of the Harold Taylor Award for outstanding contributions to the organizing industry and Professional Organizers in Canada. As a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach, she brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides, mentors and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.