The Mindset Shift You Need to Overcome Overwhelm

Feeling overwhelmed is something we’ve all been through—especially when you’re juggling big goals with life’s everyday demands. At Saint Violet, we believe that overwhelm isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a call to reassess and realign. Instead of pushing through it, we can approach overwhelm as an opportunity to recalibrate and move forward with clarity and purpose. Here’s how.

Understanding Overwhelm

Overwhelm usually creeps in when your to-do list, commitments, and expectations feel bigger than your ability to handle them. It’s your mind and body waving a flag, asking you to pause and rethink the approach. Instead of seeing it as something to ‘power through,’ view overwhelm as a chance to take stock and adjust.

6 Strategies to Help You Move Forward

1. Prioritize Like a Pro

Not everything on your list is equally important. Step back and ask yourself what’s truly essential right now. Use a planner or visual tool to sort through the clutter—highlight the tasks that genuinely align with your long-term goals and let go of the ones that don’t serve you. Overwhelm thrives on mental clutter, so getting organized visually can provide immediate relief.

2. Get Comfortable with ‘No’

We’ve talked about the power of saying 'no,' but when you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s crucial. Saying ‘no’ isn’t shutting a door—it’s preserving the time and energy you need to stay focused on what really matters. Practice it. Even small ‘no’s add up.

For more on saying no, check out this blog post: One Word to Transform Your Time Management (Hint: It’s Not 'Yes')

3. Break It Down

Big goals can feel like looming mountains, impossible to scale. The trick? Break them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Each step forward is progress, and knowing the next step in front of you makes the whole journey feel manageable rather than intimidating.

4. Schedule Rest (Yes, Really)

The idea of resting might sound counterproductive, but it’s actually a secret weapon. Productivity doesn’t only happen when you’re working. Build intentional breaks into your schedule for reflection, relaxation, and renewal. Remember, rest fuels progress—it’s not an indulgence, it’s a necessity.

5. Lean on Your People

You don’t have to figure everything out alone. Talk to someone—whether it’s a mentor, a friend, or someone in your community. Sometimes just talking about how you’re feeling can relieve the pressure. Plus, fresh perspectives often open up solutions you might not have considered.

6. Mindfulness is Everything

Overwhelm often pulls you into worrying about the future. Mindfulness pulls you back to the present, helping you focus on what you can control right now. Practicing gratitude also shifts your mindset from lack to abundance. Use your journal to jot down what’s working and what you’re thankful for—it’s a powerful mood-shifter.

Embrace the Ups and Downs

Remember, every journey comes with its peaks and valleys. Overwhelm is simply a part of that ebb and flow. But with the right strategies, you can meet it head-on, turn it into an opportunity for growth, and keep your momentum going.

If this post resonated with you, share it with a friend who might need to hear it, too. We’re all in this together!