5 ways of taking care of your mental health on days when you feel overwhelmed

Life is like an adventure island, and some days, are an emotional rollercoaster that just does not seem to stop. We all experience overwhelming days where stress, anxiety, or sadness seem to be in the driver's seat. And while some feelings are more overwhelming than others, there are certain ways that can help take care of our mental health . Through the tough days, it is important to remember to take some time off, practice some self-care , and then face your emotions with better clarity. A few of these practices can help calm the storm of overwhelm. 1. Pause, think, and breathe When your mind is racing, and you feel like you're drowning in tasks or emotions, the first thing to do is pause and take a moment. Find a quiet spot if possible, or simply close your eyes wherever you are. Focus on your breath and inhale deeply for a count of four, hold for a count of four, and then exhale for a count of four. Repeat this a few times. Deep breathing helps calm the nervous system and brings you back to the present moment. It's like hitting the reset button for your mind. 2. Unplug the phone and yourself In this digital age, we're constantly bombarded with information and notifications. On overwhelming days, consider disconnecting for a while. Turn off your phone, or at least put it on silent and place it out of sight. Step away from your computer or other devices that have been causing you some sort of anxiety. Taking a technology break allows your brain to recharge and reduces the sensory overload that can contribute to feelings of being overwhelmed. 3. Go for a walk Nature and greenery have a magical way of soothing the soul. If you can, take a short walk outdoors, whether it's in a park, your backyard, or just around the block. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you, and try not to plug in your earphones for some time. Focus on the gentle rustling of leaves, the warmth of the sun, or in the cards, the raindrops on your skin. These feelings can ground you in the present moment and provide a mental escape from your worries. 4. Journal what you feel Sometimes the jumble of thoughts in our head can be a major source of being overwhelmed. A sensory overload is not uncommon in present times. It can range from seeing your friends go out for a trip while you slug at work to seeing your colleagues leave early while you still have to work. The moment these thoughts say hello, grab a notebook or a piece of paper and start jotting down what's on your mind. Write about your feelings, your concerns, or simply what happened during the day. The act of putting your thoughts on paper can help you gain clarity and release some of the mental weight you're carrying. 5. Don’t be hard on yourself On tough days, it's easy to be hard on yourself. You might feel like you should be doing better, accomplishing more, or handling things differently. But the truth is, you are only human and you are doing your best. Even if you slow down at times or see a counterpart doing better, it is apt to tell yourself that it is alright. Practice self-compassion by treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you'd offer a friend in a similar situation. Take note that while these strategies won't magically make all the worries disappear, they can be valuable tools in your mental health toolbox. And if you feel that these don’t work, never shy away from asking for help (be it from a friend or a medical professional). Good and bad days are normal for us all and it is okay to feel overwhelmed at times, but it isn’t to let the overwhelming emotions consume and get the better of you.