Managing Stress and Overwhelm

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Practical ideas for coping when life feels too much

Everyone experiences stress at times, but when demands pile up it can start to feel unmanageable.

You may feel tense, irritable, forgetful, or unable to rest.

This guide offers simple ways to regain calm and think more clearly when life feels overwhelming.

• Recognise the signs early

  • Stress often shows itself through the body before the mind notices — tight shoulders, headaches, poor sleep, or racing thoughts. Noticing these signals early gives you a chance to slow down before exhaustion sets in.

• Pause and breathe

  • When everything feels too much, stop for a moment and take a few slow breaths — in through the nose for four, out through the mouth for six. This helps reduce physical tension and gives your mind space to reset.

• Focus on what you can control

  • When stressed, it’s easy to worry about things you can’t influence. Ask yourself: What’s within my control today? What can wait? Taking one small action at a time helps replace panic with progress.

• Break tasks into smaller steps

  • A long list can feel impossible. Choose one priority, complete it, then move to the next. Allow yourself short breaks between tasks. Managing one thing at a time reduces the sense of overload.

• Give your mind regular rest

  • Even short pauses help. Step outside, stretch, or sit quietly for a few minutes. Avoid constant rushing or multitasking. Calm moments allow your nervous system to recover.

• Keep up simple routines

  • Stress can cause chaos in daily structure. Try to maintain regular meals, movement, and sleep patterns. Familiar routines help you feel grounded and in control.

• Share what’s on your mind

  • Talking about pressure can ease it. A chat with a friend, family member, or counsellor helps release tension and often brings a clearer view of what needs to change.

• Be kind to yourself

  • Self-criticism increases stress. Speak to yourself as you would to someone you care about: “I’m doing my best with what I have today.”

• Reflection questions

  • What are the main signs that I’m becoming overwhelmed?

  • Which parts of my day are within my control?

  • What helps me pause and recover, even briefly?

• If stress doesn’t ease

  • If you feel constantly tense, on edge, or unable to cope, speak to your GP or a counsellor. Support can help you find better ways to manage pressure and restore balance.

• You’re not alone

  • Periods of stress are part of life, but they don’t have to take over. With steady habits and support, you can regain calm and clarity again.

If you’d like to explore how professional support can help with emotional wellbeing in later life, click to visit the Counselling for Older People page.