3 Tips to Calm an Overwhelmed Brain

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If you're a high-achiever, feeling overwhelmed might be a familiar part of your life. But it doesn't have to be that way. Managing overwhelm is all about adopting strategies that help you stay grounded and focused, even when life gets chaotic. Here are three practical tips to help you calm that racing mind and regain your sense of control.

1. Externalize Your Mental Chatter

Sometimes, our minds can feel like a chaotic swirl of thoughts, making it hard to focus or make decisions. One of the best ways to calm that mental storm is to externalize your thoughts—get them out of your head and onto paper (or a digital note). When you write everything down, you untangle the mental knots and start to see things more clearly. This simple act can turn what feels like an insurmountable mess into a manageable to-do list or a plan of action.

2. Prioritize and Break Things Down

When everything feels urgent, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why prioritization is key. Take a step back and figure out what actually needs to get done first. Then, break down those big tasks into smaller, manageable steps. I’m talking tiny tasks—think of the smallest possible action you can take. The more bite-sized, the better! By focusing on one small step at a time, you’ll not only make progress but also build momentum. And don’t forget to celebrate those small wins along the way!

3. Build Systems to Wrangle the Chaos

Having a solid system in place is a game-changer when it comes to managing overwhelm. Whether it’s a digital task manager, a project management tool, or a simple routine, your system should act as the central hub for your life and business. It should help you manage tasks efficiently, keep track of deadlines, and create routines for those necessary but repetitive tasks. A good system brings structure and predictability to your day, significantly reducing the chaos and helping you stay on top of everything without losing your mind.

Remember, it's okay to take a step back and recalibrate when things start to feel overwhelming. By externalizing your thoughts, prioritizing and breaking down tasks, and building effective systems, you can calm your racing mind and regain control over your day. You've got this!

If you're looking for more personalized support in managing overwhelm, I’m here to help.

Let's work together to create a customized plan that fits your unique needs. Send me a message to learn more about my 1-on-1 coaching sessions! 📩💼

Ellyn | Burnout Coach & Speaker

Helping overwhelmed high-achieving women in business to work less and live more. Since 2017, I’ve become a burnout and stress management specialist and expert helping clients to create more sustainable routines, more supportive systems, and the clarity and fulfillment they want in their lives so that they can finally heal from their hustle and take back their lives. As a former research scientist myself, I bring a healthy dose of evidence-based strategies to the notion of burnout. I’m a certified coach, have multiple stress certifications, am a certified Hell Yes podcast guest, and am a Senior Contributor for Brainz Magazine. Hiya!

https://coachellyn.com
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