There are times when it's just too much. There are times when you really can't take it anymore. These situations do not need to arise because of deep emotional causes, but just because you feel that there are many things going on demanding your attention. It could be that your to-do list is too long, or too many people are calling you. It could be that work is piling up and you don't know how to handle it. It could simply be one task that seems overly daunting.
What is the best way to respond? The best way to respond is to break it down into smaller tasks. If your to-do list is overwhelming you, break it down into sub-lists, where you only do some of it and then move onto another list. Triage the people demanding your attention and take them one at a time. Make sure the other people know that you will help them, but that they need to wait until you have time. Accept your limitations that you are only one person. You can only do so much at any given time. Don't let people push you too hard.
Unfortunately, for some of us, the natural reaction is to freeze up when we get overwhelmed. It makes it easier to have a nervous breakdown. If that starts to happen, then drop everything. Step away, and take a few minutes. Breathe deeply. If you have found ways to calm yourself in the past, use them. If not, refer to the article on meditation for some tips. This is how you can keep yourself calm instead of succumbing to feelings of helplessness when you start to get overwhelmed.
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