Feeling overwhelmed happens to most everyone. Though I try hard to not over commit, life happens. I’m in a season of feeling overwhelmed.

I’m in a season of feeling overwhelmed. -@kimberlyrosejoh Click To Tweet

I imagine we all deal with this differently, but I’ve found a couple key strategies that work well for me and help me get through the difficult times.

PC: Julia Boldt https://fotoworkshop-boldt.de/

My natural impulse is to shut down when I have too much to do and ignore tasks that need to be accomplished. My defense mechanism is to retreat. I realize this sounds counterproductive.

My defense mechanism is to retreat. I realize this sounds counterproductive. -@kimberlyrosejoh Click To Tweet

Retreating is my opportunity to regroup and get my head in the right place. I found myself doing this yesterday. At first I jumped right in when one more task was added to my already bulging workload, but an obstacle got in my way—I took a step back, calmed down, cleared my head, then tried again.

Getting in the right headspace is helpful when feeling overwhelmed.

Another strategy I use to help during these times is to create a to-do list. This helps me remember the things that need to be done. I keep the list beside me as I work and add to it as things come to me—I have a difficult time remembering things all at once.

Getting in the right headspace is helpful when feeling overwhelmed. -@kimberlyrosejoh Click To Tweet

I realize lists do not work for everyone, but for me, when I’m under extreme pressure, it’s the only way I can make sure I get it all done. Plus, it’s really fun to check something off my list. 🙂 

The final thought I’d like to leave with you is prayer. When I give my cares to the Lord, He helps me. All I have to do is ask and then release it to Him. Asking but keeping a tight hold on everything, being unwilling to relinquish control is not helpful. Yes, I know this from experience.

My characters in my romantic suspense Edge of Truth know a thing or two about feeling overwhelmed. It seemed like no matter what they did, life kept throwing punches—big ones. But through it all Jeff reminded Kara over and over to trust the Lord. He loves us and He cares for us. He wants what’s best for us.

The next time you feel overwhelmed, remember to get in the right headspace, give a to-do list a try, and give it to the Lord.

What strategies to you use to cope with feeling overwhelmed?

What strategies to you use to cope with feeling overwhelmed? -@kimberlyrosejoh Click To Tweet

Award-winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Kimberly Rose Johnson, author of Wildflower B&B Romance, The Librarian Sleuth, and Sunriver Dreams

Two DEA agents. 
One undercover mission. 
Lives changed forever.

 The DEA sends two of its best agents, Kara Nelson and Jeff Clark, to Central Oregon, to shut down a major drug ring. Kara and Jeff usually work alone, but Operation Trail Ride throws them undercover together in a way neither of them expected.

A notorious Miami drug lord wants Kara dead. Can these agents pull off the greatest acting job of their lives—and manage the sparks flying between them? 
Or will they die trying?

Edge of Truth is the first book in the Law Enforcement Heroes series. A romantic suspense series with nail biting suspense and a splash of romance. If you like engaging characters, small-town antics, and page turning suspense, then you’ll love Kimberly Rose Johnson’s Law Enforcement Heroes series.