In search of the best self-care routines when feeling overwhelmed, we turned to a diverse group of professionals, from Founders to Chief Officers, and gathered fifteen insightful responses. Their advice ranges from “Exercise: The Ultimate Stress Reliever” to “Dancing: A Joyful Stress Release”. Dive into these expert tips to find a routine that resonates with you. Here are 15 self-care routines for the overwhelmed mind.
- Exercise: The Ultimate Stress Reliever
- Journaling: A Tool for Reflection
- Skincare: A Relaxing Ritual
- Visualization: A Mental Stress Buster
- Nighttime Strolls: A Peaceful Escape
- Quality Time: Spending It with Loved Ones
- Talking It Out: The Power of Communication
- Unplugging: A Technology-Free Retreat
- Long Walks: A Breath of Fresh Air
- Art: An Emotional Outlet
- Hobbies: A Distraction from Overwhelm
- Mountain Retreats: A Natural Meditation
- Shower Rituals: A Body-Mind Connection
- Stepping Back: The Joy of Distraction
- Dancing: A Joyful Stress Release
Exercise: The Ultimate Stress Reliever
Sports scientists, medical doctors, and personal trainers all agree on one thing: exercise is medicine. Few pharmacological solutions could ever hope to rival the therapeutic effects of exercise on mental, physical, and emotional health, and the gym is definitely my go-to place for self-care.
Not just the gym itself, but the whole routine. I enjoy the walk to the gym, which grants me some much-needed time outside and also serves as a warm-up. Once I get to the gym, I let loose and vent my frustrations vigorously and productively. After achieving my goals in the gym, I take a leisurely shower and enjoy the post-exercise high.
Not only have I worked through my frustrations, but I have also spent time outside, enjoyed a peaceful shower, and perhaps most importantly, taken time purely for myself, by myself.
Although a gym may seem intimidating at first, if you persist, you won’t regret it.
Ben Schwencke, Business Psychologist, Test Partnership
Journaling: A Tool for Reflection
Sometimes, when there’s too much going on or I have a lot of thoughts racing through my mind at once, I find that journaling is the best way to relax, reflect, and recharge. Writing down something I’ve been thinking about, planning, or even just random musings I have at any point during the day is a great way to lighten the mental load and find some clarity. But even with journaling, writer’s block is real!
So, a good hack to this would be to look up journaling prompts and choose something that resonates with you at that moment.
Manasvini Krishna, Founder, Boss as a Service
Skincare: A Relaxing Ritual
Work and life can be very stressful. Hence, whenever I feel overwhelmed, I find time to do my entire skincare routine. From cleansing and moisturizing to all the serums, I even do my LED light therapy. I find this very relaxing and it definitely clears my mind.
Danielle Dahl, Managing Editor, Leadership Expert, and PhD Candidate in Psychology, Everyday Power
Visualization: A Mental Stress Buster
I engage in visualization when I feel overwhelmed. Putting my stresses into perspective is key. No matter the cause, I visualize ways to overcome the issues at hand, then imagine the load lifted from my shoulders once the issues are resolved. Self-care is just as much about your internal regimen as it is about your external (such as exercise, hobbies, etc.), so I prioritize getting in an optimal state of mind in order to relieve stress whenever necessary.
Saad Alam, Co-Founder and CEO, Hone Health
Nighttime Strolls: A Peaceful Escape
I love nighttime. The night is my favorite time of day because of how peaceful and calm it is. When I get home from a long day at work, or when I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed, my go-to method for clearing my head is to go for a nighttime stroll of a few kilometers.
As part of my day-to-day self-care routine, all I require is the smell of trees, the sound of dogs barking in the distance, the darkness, and the tranquil atmosphere at night.
Dr. Thanu Jey, Medical Director and Founder, MediBrace
Quality Time: Spending It with Loved Ones
When I start feeling overwhelmed, my go-to self-care routine involves spending quality time with my friends and family. Stepping away from work and surrounding myself with loved ones helps me refocus and recharge. Whether it’s having a fun dinner together, going for a walk in nature, or simply enjoying a good laugh, these moments are incredibly valuable for centering myself when I need it most.
Diane Howard, RN and Founder, Esthetic Finesse
Talking It Out: The Power of Communication
For me, nothing feels better than talking things out with someone. I always choose this person wisely—someone who listens to comprehend rather than respond. When someone is processing things with me and provides support, it greatly reduces my stress levels. I am reminded that I am the sum of the people who love me and care for me, not what I did or did not do at work.
When I know that someone important to me listens, I also get energized. Socializing with friends and family prepares me for the big challenges. They always inspire me, reminding me that I can always start again tomorrow.
Samantha Hawrylack, Founder, How To FIRE LLC
Unplugging: A Technology-Free Retreat
When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I realize how important it is to detach from technology. Every day, I set aside time to be technology-free. During this time, I do things that make me happy, such as reading a book, spending time in nature, or engaging in a creative pastime. Unplugging from electronics allows me to reduce digital stimulation and focus on the present moment.
Tom Miller, Director of Marketing, Fitness Volt
Long Walks: A Breath of Fresh Air
Getting outside to clear my head by going for a long walk really helps. You see into the lives of others, maybe catch a smile here or there, and generally end up feeling better about whatever is stressing me out. Moving gets the blood flowing and pushes negative thoughts out, and positive thoughts in.
Jarir Mallah, Human Resources Manager, Ling App
Art: An Emotional Outlet
Painting, drawing, and crafting provide me with an outlet for emotional release. Creating art allows me to express my emotions physically, giving me a sense of success and fulfillment. I’m not concerned about the outcome; the process itself is soothing and allows me to escape from stressful thoughts.
Gerrid Smith, Chief Marketing Officer, Joy Organics
Hobbies: A Distraction from Overwhelm
Self-care is a vital practice to improve your overall physical, emotional, and mental wellness. It is very important in the busy, modern world. Everyone’s idea of self-care may vary, and the nature of self-care means that a consistent routine is also not required, but I will explain what I tend to do when I am feeling overwhelmed.
I am a huge music fan, so I tend to play downbeat or soft songs. Playing intense songs is more necessary when I need to ramp up my work. I am a big basketball fan, so I like to watch NBA games when I am overwhelmed. I do this all the time, but when I am overwhelmed, I try to watch the whole game or the vast majority of it.
In this way, I get absorbed into the players and play to lose track of time a little bit and live in the present. Taking my mind off of the overwhelm helps me reduce it and return to a more centered place.
Ved Muthusamy, Marketing Coordinator, Achievable
Mountain Retreats: A Natural Meditation
When I’m feeling overwhelmed, my go-to self-care routine is to head to the mountains. There’s something incredibly calming about the crisp, mountain air and the majestic views.
I usually go for a hike or just sit and soak in the tranquility. It’s my form of meditation, really. It helps me disconnect from the hustle and bustle, clear my mind, and regain perspective. It’s like hitting a reset button. The mountains remind me of the bigger picture and help me return to my work with renewed energy and focus.
Lou Reverchuk, Co-Founder and CEO, EchoGlobal
Shower Rituals: A Body-Mind Connection
Whenever I have the liberty to do so, I take a lengthy shower and take my time, using all of my favorite products, and dress afterward. In the shower, I visualize any negative emotions being washed away by the water, and I appreciate everything my body does for me as I go along applying soaps and lotions, just as I am grateful for how I enjoy whatever I care about.
My mental space and health are greatly improved by treating my body as a special and beneficial object. This helps me commit to big and long-term projects, and feel motivated. Lighting a candle or using incense while in the bath kicks it up a notch, too.
Jonathan Merry, Founder, Moneyzine
Stepping Back: The Joy of Distraction
One of the best strategies that has always helped me overcome stress is stepping back from whatever is causing the stress and engaging in something that lifts my mood and makes me feel better.
By stepping back, I’m able to take the pressure off my shoulders and focus on things that make me worry less about the situation that makes me feel overwhelmed. This could be hanging out with friends, watching a movie I have been postponing, taking a walk in the park, or spending time with loved ones.
Logan Nguyen, Co-Founder, NCHC.org
Dancing: A Joyful Stress Release
It’s so difficult to dance with a grumpy or stressful face. When things become too much and you really need to unwind, the best way to do so is to put on some music that will really get you vibing and spread positivity, encouraging you to shake it up and just dance.
With every body movement, you’ll feel the stress levels leaving your body, the positivity taking over, and the improved mood that will allow you to clear your head and actually focus.
Max Wesman, Chief Operating Officer, GoodHire
