5 Ways To Catch Your Breath When Life Feels Totally Overwhelming

Life is overwhelming at times. Sometimes, you feel like you're drowning—like you're running out of air and can't get a breath.

The cause could be anything from failure or disappointment to an abusive partner or parent.

It may be the ghosts of your past: your upbringing, your past emotional wounds, or a damaged view of yourself.

One event triggers another, which triggers another, which creates tidal waves of discontentment and anxiety washing over you. You're trying to stay afloat, but these internal waves of hopelessness are trying to sink you. Each wave is stronger and more insistent, pushing you deep into the violent tow of the ocean.

Something triggered you. Get clear on what it was. Know for yourself what your trigger points are. Acknowledge those occurrences that pull you into this place of hopelessness. It's usually very specific trigger points that lead you back to the ocean of negativity.

You can't drown if your feet can touch solid ground. If you're afraid, you might start swimming so frantically that you don't realize the ground is just beneath you. No matter how violent the waves around you, you can deal with them if you have a firm footing.

You have all kinds of tools at your disposal. Ask yourself what you need. What would slow the waves and make it easier for you to breathe? Is it time for journaling? Meditation? Yoga? A walk? A trip? A checking in with your roots?

You have many of them in your life, though you might not have realized it. They've shown up during difficult and trying times. Those are the people you need during the tough periods.

Reach out to a friend, family member, or professional to help you weather the storm. People don't know you're struggling unless you share it with them. Asking for help is neither embarrassing nor shameful.

Instead of focusing on what triggered you, focus on the process of getting back to safety. Instead of breathlessness, focus on breathing. Instead of all those things you can't control, focus on what’s in your power right now.