If you’re constantly feeling overwhelmed, you’re probably making these 8 common mistakes (according to psychology)

Sometimes, I wonder if feeling overwhelmed is just the modern default setting.

Between juggling work, relationships, and the 24/7 demands of life, it’s easy to think that being constantly frazzled is just how things are.

But what if it’s not about how much you’re doing? What if the problem lies in how you’re approaching it all? Turns out, psychology has a few ideas—and they might just surprise you.

Let’s unpack eight common mistakes that could be quietly feeding your overwhelm and explore what you can do to finally catch your breath.

1) You’re not prioritizing self-care

One of the most common mistakes when feeling overwhelmed is neglecting self-care.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling that there’s not enough time in the day for self-care. The endless to-do lists, the constant notifications, and the never-ending demands from work and personal life can make us feel like we’re running on a hamster wheel.

But here’s the thing: Self-care is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.

According to psychology, self-care helps reduce stress, increase productivity, and improve overall well-being. It’s crucial to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health.

When you’re constantly feeling overwhelmed, it’s a sign that you’re not taking enough time for yourself.

2) You’re trying to multitask too much

I used to wear multitasking like a badge of honor. I thought that juggling multiple tasks at once was the key to productivity. But boy, was I wrong.

Turns out, psychology agrees with my personal realization.

According to psychological research, multitasking can actually make us less efficient and more prone to errors. It’s because our brains aren’t designed to handle multiple complex tasks simultaneously.

I remember a day when I was trying to finish a project, respond to emails, and coordinate a meeting all at once. Not only did I end up missing an important detail in the project, but I also sent an email to the wrong person. The overwhelm was off the charts.

Now, I focus on one task at a time, and it’s made a world of difference.

It might seem slower at first, but the quality of my work has improved and I feel less overwhelmed.

3) You’re not setting clear boundaries

In today’s always-on culture, setting boundaries can feel like an uphill battle. But without them, we can quickly find ourselves overwhelmed.

Boundaries are guidelines we set for ourselves and others about what we find acceptable and unacceptable. They help us protect our time, energy, and personal space.

Neuroscience shows that when our boundaries are violated, our brains go into a stress response, releasing cortisol, the stress hormone. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.

If you’re finding it hard to say ‘no’ or find yourself constantly overworked and overstretched, it might be time to consider setting clearer boundaries.

4) You’re not delegating tasks

Many of us have a tendency to take on too much, thinking we can handle it all.

But the reality is, we all have limits. And when we ignore these limits, feelings of overwhelm can quickly creep in.

Delegating tasks isn’t just for managers or team leaders. It’s a skill that everyone can benefit from. It’s about recognizing that you don’t have to do everything yourself and that it’s okay to ask for help.

Whether it’s at work or at home, learning to delegate can free up your mental space and reduce the feeling of being constantly overwhelmed.

It’s not a sign of weakness, but rather a step towards better time management and mental well-being.

5) You’re not practicing mindfulness

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of tasks, responsibilities, and worries.

This can lead to a constant feeling of overwhelm.

Mindfulness, the practice of being present and fully engaged with whatever we’re doing at the moment, is a powerful antidote to this.

When we practice mindfulness, we’re not worrying about what’s next on our to-do list or replaying past mistakes in our heads. We’re simply in the here and now. This can have a calming effect, reducing feelings of stress and overwhelm.

It’s okay to pause. To take a deep breath. To simply be. In those quiet moments, you might find that the weight of overwhelm starts to lift.

6) You’re not valuing your achievements

I used to find myself constantly chasing after the next big thing, never taking a moment to appreciate what I’d already achieved.

It was a never-ending cycle that left me feeling perpetually overwhelmed.

But then I realized, I was missing out on the joy of celebrating my accomplishments, no matter how small. I was so focused on what was next, that I forgot to be proud of what I had done.

Now, I make it a point to acknowledge my achievements. Whether it’s completing a challenging project or simply getting through a tough day, every accomplishment is worth celebrating.

Recognizing these moments not only boosts my self-esteem but also helps reduce feelings of overwhelm by reminding me of my capabilities.

7) You’re not getting enough sleep

It’s no secret that sleep is essential for our physical health. But did you know it’s also crucial for our mental well-being?

According to numerous studies, lack of sleep can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress, making things seem more overwhelming than they actually are. Moreover, when we’re tired, we’re less able to cope with stressors that come our way.

Getting a good night’s sleep can help reset your brain, improve your mood, and increase your resilience to stress.

8) You’re not seeking professional help when needed

There’s a common misconception that you should only seek professional help when things get really bad.

But the truth is, psychologists, therapists, and counselors are trained to help with all sorts of issues, including feelings of constant overwhelm.

There’s no shame in seeking help. In fact, it’s one of the bravest things you can do. So if you’ve tried various strategies and still find yourself constantly overwhelmed, it might be time to seek professional advice.

Final thoughts

Overwhelm has a way of creeping in, like an uninvited guest who overstays their welcome. But here’s the thing: sometimes, we’re the ones handing it the spare key.

Recognizing these common mistakes helps you regain small pieces of control. Maybe it’s setting a boundary, saying no without guilt, or finally getting the sleep you’ve been putting off.

Life will always be messy, but balance hides in finding those little moments where you can breathe.

And sometimes, just recognizing that you’re not alone in the chaos is enough to start lightening the load.

Feeling stuck in self-doubt?

Stop trying to fix yourself and start embracing who you are. Join the free 7-day self-discovery challenge and learn how to transform negative emotions into personal growth.

Join Free Now

Picture of Tara Whitmore

Tara Whitmore

Tara Whitmore is a psychologist based in Melbourne, with a passion for helping people build healthier relationships and navigate life’s emotional ups and downs. Her articles blend practical psychology with relatable insights, offering readers guidance on everything from communication skills to managing stress in everyday life. When Tara isn’t busy writing or working with clients, she loves to unwind by practicing yoga or trying her hand at pottery—anything that lets her get creative and stay mindful.

RECENT ARTICLES

TRENDING AROUND THE WEB

If you really want to flourish in your 60s and beyond, say goodbye to these 7 self-sabotaging behaviors

If you really want to flourish in your 60s and beyond, say goodbye to these 7 self-sabotaging behaviors

Global English Editing

8 subtle things narcissists do to make you feel like you’re the problem

8 subtle things narcissists do to make you feel like you’re the problem

Global English Editing

People who silently carry emotional wounds from childhood often display these 8 subtle behaviors

People who silently carry emotional wounds from childhood often display these 8 subtle behaviors

Small Business Bonfire

If you recognize these signs, you live far more comfortably than the average person

If you recognize these signs, you live far more comfortably than the average person

Small Business Bonfire

If you never put up with these behaviors from others, you have a highly confident personality

If you never put up with these behaviors from others, you have a highly confident personality

Global English Editing

8 things you’re doing that make people secretly think they can walk all over you

8 things you’re doing that make people secretly think they can walk all over you

Small Business Bonfire