Emotional overwhelm is not just about feeling stressed

Deepti Ojha Singh (Tanu)

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel emotionally overwhelmed. The constant juggling of responsibilities, deadlines, and expectations can cause our emotions to spiral, especially in the workplace. Emotional overwhelm is not just about feeling stressed — it’s when the emotional weight becomes too much to handle, leaving us feeling drained, disconnected, and on the verge of burnout. Let’s dive into understanding the symptoms of emotional overwhelm and discover three simple tips to find calm at work.

Symptoms of Emotional Overwhelm:

When we’re emotionally overwhelmed, our bodies and minds react in a variety of ways. Here are some common symptoms to look out for:

1. Physical Exhaustion: If you feel like you’ve been running on empty, it’s a sign that emotional overload is taking a toll on you. Fatigue, headaches, and muscle tension are common physical responses when we’ve been emotionally drained.

2. Difficulty Focusing: Overwhelmed emotions can cloud your mind, making it hard to concentrate. You might find yourself zoning out or making mistakes that you usually wouldn't.

3. Irritability or Mood Swings: A small issue may cause an exaggerated emotional reaction, or you might feel your mood shifting rapidly from calm to agitated. Emotional overwhelm often brings about heightened emotional sensitivity.

4. Feeling Disconnected: Overwhelm can make you feel like you're not present in the moment. You may experience a sense of detachment from your tasks, colleagues, or even yourself.

5. Cognitive Overload: Racing thoughts, difficulty making decisions, and a sense of being "stuck" can all occur when you're emotionally overwhelmed. It's like your mind has too many tabs open at once, unable to focus on just one thing.

   
   

Quick Tips To Find Calm At Work:

Here are three effective tips to help you feel calm and centered, even during the busiest days at work:

1. Take Short Breaks

When you're feeling overwhelmed, it's essential to step away from your desk, even if it’s just for a few minutes. A short walk, some deep breathing, or simply sitting in silence can give your mind a chance to reset. These breaks can help release built-up tension and refocus your energy, giving you the clarity to return to your work with a fresh perspective.

2. Practice Deep Breathing or Mindful Meditation

Deep breathing is a simple yet powerful way to calm your nervous system. Take a few slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Try this for 5-10 minutes whenever you feel the emotional overwhelm creeping in. You can also practice a quick mindfulness technique, such as focusing on the sensation of your breath or doing a short meditation to reconnect with the present moment.

3. Set Boundaries and Prioritize

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re trying to do everything at once. To combat this, take a moment to reassess your priorities. What tasks are urgent, and what can wait? Set clear boundaries with your workload, and don’t be afraid to say “no” when necessary. Permit yourself to focus on one thing at a time, and remember, it’s okay to ask for help.

Emotional overwhelm is a natural response to the demands of work and life. By taking regular breaks, practicing mindfulness, and setting boundaries, you can regain a sense of calm and balance, even during challenging times. It is okay to feel overwhelmed, but it’s also important to give yourself the space and tools to find peace within the chaos.

If you're feeling overwhelmed emotionally, schedule a session with me today and experience peace and contentment through powerful tools and techniques.