3 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm

This is an important episode. In it, I share 3 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm that will bring you comfort, healing, and peace as you face all that’s happening in the world.

In today’s episode, I tackle a feeling we all know too well: overwhelm. Life can throw so much at us, whether it’s balancing work and family, managing our homes, or staying on top of commitments, and sometimes it just feels like too much. But here’s the good news—overcoming that overwhelming feeling is possible.

Today, I will walk you through three simple, practical steps to comfort your heart, find peace, and focus on what truly matters. Let’s explore these practical steps to help you move from feeling swamped to feeling steady and equipped for whatever life brings.

Step 1: Focus on What You Can Control

In times of global or personal chaos, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by events beyond your control. A key to overcoming this is to focus on the small, manageable actions you can control. This could be establishing a daily routine, managing your time effectively, or even doing something positive for yourself or others. Shifting your attention from what’s outside your control to what you can influence gives you a sense of purpose and direction.

Example: Begin your day with a simple task like making your bed or planning a small, achievable goal. This creates a sense of accomplishment and structure, even when the world feels chaotic.

Step 2: Practice Grounding Techniques to Stay Present

Often, the feeling of overwhelm comes from worrying about an uncertain future. Grounding techniques can help bring you back to the present moment. Mindful breathing, meditation, or even engaging in physical activities like walking or stretching can reconnect you to your body and mind, allowing you to let go of spiraling thoughts about the future.

Example: When feeling overwhelmed, try the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique. Name five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. This exercise calms your mind by engaging your senses.

Step 3: Limit Exposure to Srreessful Information

In today’s hyperconnected world, constant exposure to stressful news or social media can fuel anxiety. Set boundaries on how much time you spend consuming information that heightens your stress levels. Instead, seek out uplifting content or focus on activities that nourish your mental and emotional health.

Example: Set specific times during the day when you check the news or social media, and limit your exposure outside of those times. Instead, use that freed-up time to read, practice a hobby, or connect with loved ones.

These steps can help shift your perspective, restore a sense of control, and maintain emotional balance amidst chaos.

Scripture to Meditate On

1. Focus on What You Can Control

• Proverbs 16:3
  “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
• Matthew 6:34
  “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
• Philippians 4:13
  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

2. Practice Grounding Techniques to Stay Present

• Isaiah 26:3
  “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
• Psalm 46:10
  “Be still, and know that I am God.”
• Matthew 11:28
  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

3. Limit Exposure to Stressful Information

• Philippians 4:8
  “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
• Romans 12:2
  “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
• 2 Timothy 1:7
  “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
• Psalm 55:22
  “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”

Wrapping It Up: Overcoming Overwhelm is Possible

As we wrap up, remember that overcoming overwhelm is a journey—one you don’t have to navigate alone. Each small step you take to simplify, prioritize, and refocus brings you closer to a life of clarity and calm.

Embrace the changes slowly and celebrate each victory, knowing peace and purpose are possible.

God has equipped us with the tools to rise above the chaos and live each day confidently and intentionally. Take heart, stay hopeful, and know that you have the strength to overcome anything that comes your way.