5 Ways to Combat Feelings of Stress and Overwhelm

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Times are getting tough so experiencing feelings of overwhelm and stress are becoming a common thing; KindnessCan shares 5 ways to combat those feelings.

South Africa (14 June 2023) – These are some pretty crazy times, and you’re not alone if you’re living between waves of stress and overwhelm. Things can feel scarier when we don’t have full control over what is stressing us out. Between load shedding and a wonky economy, it can be hard to know how to make things better. In moments like these, a good place to start is focusing on what you can control and working your way up from there.

Here are 5 things from KindnessCan to get you started:

1. Make a list. You are more likely to do something if you write it down. Make a list of things you want to do today and this week, and tick things off as you go along. And if you’re feeling very brave, make a list of things you want to avoid doing this week.

2. Visualize. Start every day by imagining what you hope to do and feel in the day ahead step by step. End the day, by running through the day in your mind, and celebrating the wins.

3. Get organized. You will feel more in control, if your work and living space is more organized and neater It might seem like you don’t have enough time to get there right now, but it’s time well spent. Empty that drawer and handbag, and start again. Get rid of and donate things you don’t need. Put things that you aren’t using right now away. Clean your desk every day.

4. Find a Routine. You can’t control the speed and disruption of the whole world, but you can slow down and choose how to fill (most) of your time. As boring as it may sound, getting into a routine can be very soothing. Having a predictable idea of what’s going to happen, can make our mind and body feel more in control and relaxed. It might be as simple, as having a morning coffee at the same time every day.

5. Treat yourself like a best friend. You’re going through a lot right now, and your words and actions towards yourself matter. Take the time every day, to say and do supportive things for yourself. These don’t need to be big or time heavy, but can make a big difference. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy, exercising, asking for help, saying yes to people and places that energize you, avoiding unhealthy social media, and saying no to people and places that drain you.

KindnessCan is a movement started by radio personality Jane Linley-Thomas and emotional intelligence author, Paul Bushell. The movement of talks, workshops, podcasts and installations hopes to share the magic and power of kindness. For more information on KindnessCan, check out www.kindnesscan.co.za