If you’re constantly overwhelmed, these 7 habits are likely the reason

Feeling constantly overwhelmed can feel like you’re carrying a heavy weight that just won’t lift.

But what if I told you that the culprit behind this exhausting feeling might be your own habits?

Yes, it’s a hard pill to swallow. But the good news is that once you identify these habits, you can take steps to change them.

By recognizing and altering these patterns, not only will you feel lighter, but you’ll also align your actions more authentically with your true potential.

Stay tuned to find out if these habits are part of your life and how to kick them to the curb.

1) Trying to multitask

We often wear our ability to multitask like a badge of honor. We believe that handling multiple things at once means we’re efficient and productive.

But here’s the harsh reality: our brains aren’t wired for multitasking. In fact, multitasking can lead to more mistakes, lower quality work, and increased stress levels.

Research shows that constantly switching between tasks can cost you as much as 40% of your productive time.

That’s a significant chunk of your day gone, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and under-accomplished.

Next time you’re tempted to juggle several things at once, remember that focusing on one task at a time can actually lead to better results and less stress.

Don’t let the myth of multitasking contribute to your feelings of constant overwhelm. Break free from this habit and watch your productivity – and peace of mind – soar.

2) Overcommitting

I used to be a ‘yes’ person. Whenever anyone asked me for a favor, to take on an extra project, or attend yet another meeting, I’d always say yes.

I thought this was the best way to demonstrate my value and show that I was a team player.

But I soon realized that this habit of overcommitting was a fast track to constant overwhelm. My days became a blur of tasks, deadlines, and obligations.

I was stretched so thin that I barely had time to breathe.

I learned the hard way that it’s okay – and necessary – to say no sometimes.

Prioritizing tasks and setting boundaries isn’t just about managing your time; it’s about respecting your own capacity and energy levels.

Every ‘yes’ you give is potentially a ‘no’ to something else, perhaps something more important or meaningful.

It’s about making conscious decisions that align with your true potential and values.

Take it from someone who’s been there: overcommitting is a one-way ticket to feeling constantly overwhelmed. Start practicing the art of saying no and see how much lighter you feel.

3) Lack of sleep

While it might seem like a good idea to stay up late to finish that report or binge-watch your favorite show, the knock-on effect on your wellbeing can be significant.

Chronic lack of sleep can cause or exacerbate feelings of overwhelm, making it harder to handle daily stressors.

Adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night for optimal functioning.

Consistently getting less than this can throw your whole system off balance.

Beyond making you feel groggy and sluggish, sleep deprivation can impair cognitive function, decision-making abilities, and emotional regulation – all factors that contribute to feelings of overwhelm.

If you’re constantly feeling overwhelmed, take a look at your sleep habits.

Ensuring you get enough quality sleep is a critical step towards reducing feelings of constant overwhelm.

4) Neglecting self-care

In our hustle and bustle life, it’s easy to put self-care on the back burner.

But when we constantly prioritize everything and everyone else over our own needs, we’re setting ourselves up for burnout and overwhelm.

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days.

It’s about nourishing your body with healthy food, giving your mind time to rest, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.

Neglecting self-care can lead to physical exhaustion, emotional depletion, and a reduced ability to cope with stress – all of which can make us feel overwhelmed.

If you’re constantly feeling like you’re on the edge, it might be time to prioritize self-care.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential for maintaining balance and avoiding overwhelm.

5) Perfectionism

There was a time when I aimed for perfection in everything I did. Each task, each project, each interaction, had to be flawless.

I thought this would make me successful and appreciated.

What it actually led to was a constant state of overwhelm. The pressure I put on myself to be perfect was immense and unrelenting.

It affected my performance, my relationships, and my mental health.

Perfectionism is a thief of joy. It prevents us from celebrating our accomplishments because we’re too focused on the flaws.

It holds us back from taking risks for fear of making mistakes.

If you identify with this, know that it’s okay to let go of perfection. Strive for excellence, not perfection.

Recognize that mistakes and failures are part of the growth process. They don’t define you; they help you become better.

Letting go of perfectionism can significantly reduce feelings of constant overwhelm. Trust me – it’s liberating.

6) Not delegating

If you’re used to doing everything yourself, the thought of delegating might feel uncomfortable.

But holding on to every task and responsibility is a surefire way to overwhelm.

Whether at work or in personal life, there are tasks and responsibilities that can be shared or delegated. You don’t have to shoulder everything alone.

Learning to delegate effectively can free up your time, reduce your stress, and even provide opportunities for others to learn and grow.

It allows you to focus on what you do best and where your time is most valuable.

If you’re feeling constantly overwhelmed, take a good look at your to-do list. Is there something that someone else could do? If so, it might be time to start practicing delegation.

7) Ignoring emotions

Constantly suppressing or ignoring your emotions is like trying to hold a beach ball under water – it takes a lot of energy and eventually, it’s going to pop up with a lot of force.

Our emotions are signals, alerting us to what’s going on inside.

If we’re feeling constantly overwhelmed, it might be a sign that we’re not dealing with our emotions in a healthy way.

Instead of bottling them up or brushing them aside, try acknowledging your feelings.

It’s okay to feel stress, frustration, or sadness. It’s not only okay, it’s human.

A large part of reducing overwhelm involves emotional self-awareness and emotional self-care.

Tune in to your feelings, express them in appropriate ways, and seek support when needed. Don’t ignore your emotions; they are key indicators of your overall wellbeing.

Embracing the journey

We all have our unique rhythms, quirks, and ways of navigating through life.

The beauty lies in the diversity of our experiences and the continual learning that shapes us.

If you’re constantly feeling overwhelmed, remember, these habits we’ve discussed aren’t definitive labels; they’re indicators you can use to understand yourself better.

It’s not about pointing fingers or blaming yourself.

It’s about realizing that you have the power to change your experiences by changing your habits.

Just as a river smoothly carves its path through a landscape over time, so too can we make small, consistent changes that lead to significant shifts in our wellbeing.

And always remember, it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. We’re not meant to go through this journey alone.

Here’s to embracing our personal growth, shedding habits that no longer serve us, and stepping into a life of less overwhelm and more peace.

Because you deserve it.