Abby Connolly
Even though spring has officially begun, it still feels like winter in much of the country, and the long, cold season has left many of us feeling more stressed and overwhelmed. This common seasonal mood effect, coupled with other personal stressors, can lead to emotional tolls that feel simply unbearable.
If you’re feeling more overwhelmed than usual, you’ve come to the right place. As someone who has dealt with her fair share of anxiety and stress, I’ve picked up some helpful reminders and tips for coping with it along the way.
Here are a few things to remember the next time you feel overwhelmed.
It’s okay not to be okay
Often, people get overwhelmed because they’ve been suppressing their emotions for too long. When you keep trying to deny the fact that you’re stressed out and keep doing what you’ve been doing, you lead yourself down a dark path.
We’re living in a time where “grind culture” is very much a thing, and it can be quite toxic. Stop suppressing your negative emotions and face them instead. It’s okay not to be okay. You’re only human, and going through hard times is normal.
Sometimes, you have to cry it out
Similarly to my first point, you shouldn’t be denying yourself an emotional release. I’ve had moments where I’ve started to cry while telling loved ones how stressed or overwhelmed I was and quickly said, “I can’t believe I’m crying,” or “I’m trying not to cry.”
But honestly, crying is sometimes the best medicine. Allowing yourself to cry means allowing yourself to release your negative emotions and frustrations. It will feel really good to let yourself cry and feel what you need to feel.
Sign up for Chip Chick’s newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.
