When we allow ourselves to feel all the emotions, occasionally we may become overwhelmed. As someone who is highly sensitive and feels deeply, I can very easily find myself emotionally overwhelmed.

I’ve discovered a few practical actions through trial and error that help regulate me in those moments of overwhelm.

Keep in mind that each person processes emotion differently. I’m sharing these actions as inspiration, not a prescription. See what works for you or come up with your own list.

Ideas to help regulate emotional overwhelm:

• Put down your phone/computer and take deep breaths

• Go for a walk

• Snuggle with a pet

• Journal about your current sensations, feelings, and thoughts (I typically use a computer so I can quickly spew all the things out)

• Chat with a close friend or family member (only the people you can be real with)

• Draw what you’re feeling (no need to be an artist - this is about grounding yourself with pen and paper)

• Listen to music

• Take pictures (this act helps me pause and notice what’s around me)

• Pray or meditate (I often find a guided meditation necessary in these moments since I’m too distracted to meditate on my own)

• Cry (reminder: it’s okay to cry)

• Do some yard work (this is quite enjoyable and rewarding for me personally)

• Bake something yummy

• Take a nap (I personally struggle to take naps, but sometimes it’s exactly what I need)

• Recount the day’s achievements so far (any and every little thing)

• Hug someone you love (COVID-19 has made this so much harder - and in some cases, impossible)

To explore today: What practical actions help you regulate in moments of emotional overwhelm?