Feeling Overwhelmed at Work? You’re Not Alone (And Here’s How I’m Coping)

Work can be incredibly fulfilling—but let’s be honest, it can also feel overwhelming. Some days, there’s just too much to handle. Too many deadlines, too many expectations, and not enough support. I’ve personally experienced moments where I felt mentally and emotionally drained, struggling to keep up with everything on my plate.

There were even times when the stress took such a toll on me that I ended up in the hospital due to burnout. Those moments served as a powerful reminder: no job is worth sacrificing your health for. Without your health, it becomes impossible to show up fully—whether at work or at home.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re barely holding it together, I want you to know—you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not failing. Below are some thoughts and practices that have helped me cope with difficult periods, and I hope they might offer you some comfort or guidance too.

1. Practice Gratitude

Even when work feels especially challenging, I try to pause and remember the things I’m grateful for. In today’s world, having a stable job is something many people are striving for. Shifting your perspective—even slightly—can help lighten the emotional load. You matter, and your contributions are meaningful, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.

2. Focus on Priorities

It's impossible to do everything at once, and that’s okay. Especially when juggling multiple roles, it’s important to pause and ask: What’s truly urgent today? Focus on one task at a time. By prioritizing, you give yourself space to do things well—without overwhelming your mind or body.

3. Reflect on the Past

Think about all the challenges you’ve overcome so far. Chances are, you’ve handled more than you give yourself credit for. Trust that this, too, will pass—and that you’ll come out stronger on the other side. Take things one day, one moment at a time. Things have, and will, resolve on their own.

4. Take Breaks When You Need To

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply step away for a little while. A short walk, a quiet moment, a deep breath—it all helps. If you need to cry or vent, do it. You’re human. And giving yourself space to reset is not just okay—it’s necessary.

5. Shift How You View Work

At the end of the day, work is a part of life—but it is not your entire life. It’s important to protect your time and energy outside of work hours. Enjoy your evenings, your weekends, and the little moments that bring you joy. You’re allowed to set boundaries, and you deserve rest.

6. It’s Okay to Take a Step Back

There may be periods when you need to do only what’s necessary to get through the day. That’s perfectly valid. Taking care of your mental health sometimes means slowing down. You don’t need to prove your worth by burning yourself out.

7. Try to Find Lightness

When things get especially tough, I try to find something small to smile or laugh about. A light-hearted conversation, a funny memory, even a calming song—my personal favorite is Que Sera, Sera (“Whatever will be, will be”). It’s a gentle reminder that not everything is in our control, and that’s alright.

8. Reach Out for Support

Perhaps the most important reminder: you don’t have to go through this alone. Whether it’s a loved one, a trusted colleague, a mental health professional, or your HR team—please don’t hesitate to reach out. Sometimes just talking to someone who understands can lift a huge weight off your shoulders.

Support doesn’t always come automatically, but it is out there. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of self-awareness and strength.

Final Thoughts

If you're feeling overwhelmed at work right now, I hope this message brings you a sense of comfort. Please take care of yourself first. You matter, and your well-being is the foundation of everything else. The world will keep moving, but you can choose to pause, to rest, and to protect your peace.

And if someone in your life is also struggling, feel free to share this with them. Sometimes, just knowing that someone else understands can make all the difference.