Home Lifestyle Just Breathe : Inspiration For Overwhelm

Just Breathe : Inspiration For Overwhelm

by InvisiblyMe

There can be a lot of pressures and challenges in life, with or without chronic illness. Sometimes we just need a reminder & a little inspiration to slow down.

The Hectic Nature Of Modern Life

Modern living can cause a cycle of constant busy-ness, where we’re always doing and continually striving, forever stressing about ticking off our to-do lists & juggling a million and one things in our heads.

It can be overwhelming and exhausting, and sometimes things get to be too much. Finances, health, relationships, work, worries, and anything and everything in between. We get bombarded with news and negativity, plus continual opinions and pressures on social media.

Sometimes we just need to stop, to carefully let down the plates we’ve been spinning and desperately trying to keep in the air. To step back and take a breather.

Remember that you’ve been through tough times before. You’ve likely felt exhausted and overwhelmed in the past. You’ve survived then and you can survive now. It’s okay to take a break.

Inspiration To Breathe

This is where mindfulness and meditation can be excellent. Let your thoughts and feelings present themselves without trying to push them away. Accept them and let them be, without judgement. Focus on your breathing, slowing it down and keeping it steady.

Try to take yourself away from the situation to find some peace and tranquility. Have a change of scenery and get yourself out into nature.

Unplug and disconnect from everything for a little while and just let yourself ‘be’.

Listen to some soothing or energising music, practice self-care, read something comforting or inspiring. Do whatever you need to help declutter your brain.

Nourish yourself. Slow down. Rest.

You’ve got this.

Caz  ♥

Related Posts

60 comments

wendi August 17, 2019 - 4:32 pm

thank you so very much Caz for the reminder! when we get really ill again or have newish symptoms, i know for me, i begin to panic……..i wonder if this is my new reality, is it the end. your words remind us that yes, we have lived through our wost times and we can get through this moment too. bless you my dear. hoping today is good to you and it brings you a smile or three! 🙂

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 3:47 pm

It’s easier said than done not to panic and worry, so don’t be too hard on yourself. But absolutely remember that you’re one tough cookie, Wendi, and you can survive whatever life throws at you. Thank you for the lovely comment! ???? xx

Reply
Marilyn Long August 17, 2019 - 4:31 pm

Hello, I have to say – I love the way you write. So upbeat, yet practical and grounded. Oxymoronic or what?
I try to do a 3-minute breathing space each day although my absolute preference is walking meditation. I would like to ask though, do you recommend mindfulness groups? I’ve been referred for two (through mental health services), the most recent based on a particular workbook and it was so commercial. It’s also been suggested that I embrace it to help with my problems created by being autistic.
Your phrase ‘declutter your brain’ is brilliant. Says it all to me and it’s something I can whole-heartedly go along with. Hope you spread the message far and wide. Enjoy your day / evening / night. X

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 3:43 pm

That’s really kind of you to say, thank you – I’m really glad that you like my writing & the posts! I think your 3 minute breathing space is a great idea. Do you do it at a specific time each day, or just when you feel you need it? I think a mindfulness group could be an interesting one. I worked on mindfulness, with a little meditation, as part of my pain management course. With the groups you’ve been referred to, do you have to pay for them? If you do, could you possibly do a tester session to see what you think first?
Thank you again for such a great comment! I hope this week treats you well  ♥ xx

Reply
Megala August 17, 2019 - 4:40 pm

Yes, I totally agree with you. Have a wonderful weekend.

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 3:49 pm

Thanks, Megala – I hope you’re having a great week so far ???? xx

Reply
Terri, Reclaiming HOPE August 17, 2019 - 5:13 pm

What a brilliant and much-needed reminder Caz! Some days we just need to disconnect and take some time to ourselves…. For me, nature is the very best place for that. Have a fabulous weekend!

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 3:51 pm

Nature really can be very grounding & a brilliant way to get a breath of fresh air, literally & metaphorically. Really glad you liked the post, thank you Terri  ♥ I hope this week is treating you kindly xx

Reply
Julie de Rohan August 17, 2019 - 5:41 pm

Very timely post, Caz, thank you. It’s so simple but so easy to forget – just breathe. I needed this reminder today (how did you know?!).

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 3:53 pm

I can read minds, Julie – It’s a hidden talent ???? I’m really pleased you liked the post, and I think a reminder from time to time can be just what we need. I hope you’re doing okay, and that this week is going well so far for you xx

Reply
Pamela Jessen August 17, 2019 - 7:09 pm

Thanks for the reminder Caz…I sometimes get caught up in all the stuff I’m doing and I forget to step back to just breathe. It seems like things are either agonizingly slow or overwhelmingly busy!! I needed this today!

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 4:04 pm

It’s hard getting a good balance, isn’t it? Thanks for the comment, Pamela. I hope you can remember this when you next need it and start to feel overwhelmed  ♥ xx

Reply
Christy B August 17, 2019 - 6:12 pm

I have a friend who has the word “Breathe” tattooed on her wrist and I rub it with my own wrist when overwhelmed.

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 3:54 pm

Aww, what a lovely way to feel comforted. I wouldn’t mind “Breathe” as a tattoo, I think it’s a really good idea! xx

Reply
Despite Pain August 17, 2019 - 6:38 pm

“Just breathe” – two very important words. People, whether living with illness or perfectly healthy, often feel under pressure, get stressed or suffer from anxiety. Sometimes just taking a step back and breathing is enough to calm them down.
Excellent post, as always, Caz.

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 4:00 pm

Absolutely, the issue of being stressed or overwhelmed can happen to anyone, and a reminder to just breathe & take a step back is something we could probably all use from time to time. Thanks, Liz!  ♥ xx

Reply
Mrs. Ram Jam August 17, 2019 - 6:47 pm

I am most definitely taking a breather today. Thanks for the reminder to slow down!

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 4:03 pm

Glad to hear it! I hope you take plenty of breathers throughout the week when you need to ????
xx

Reply
almeidadepaulo August 17, 2019 - 8:33 pm

I agree with you Caz, thanks for sharing and reminder!!!

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 4:04 pm

I’m glad you liked it, thanks! I hope you’re having a lovely week so far ????

Reply
Masha Ellman August 17, 2019 - 8:40 pm

Just breathe – love this, I try to let go of things, sometimes I get so caught up in the stuff that I don’t see what’s right in front of me and that is – just breathe -and remind myself that I got this. When I remember to – just breath – I ask myself how important is the stuff that I’m holding on to. Thank you Caz for this great reminder.

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 4:06 pm

Exactly, and it can be hard to get that perspective unless we step back. I’m glad you liked this post, thank you, Masha! I hope this week is treating you kindly ????

Reply
Kymber Hawke August 18, 2019 - 1:25 pm

Thank you for the reminder and the suggestions, Caz. This is excellent advice.

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 4:06 pm

Really glad you liked it, Kymber! I hope you’re having a good week so far lovely xx

Reply
Dennis/Greg/live_a_life_less_ordinary August 18, 2019 - 2:30 pm

So I’ve been crazy this week. I’m an introvert by nature, but every once in a while I feel like being social. My birthday was Thursday, and unlike some people, I don’t hide the fact that it’s my birthday. I was kind of the center of attention at work, and some of my coworkers chipped in for a surprisingly expensive gift. I spent that evening at someone else’s birthday dinner, a friend who has the same birthday as me (not the same year, though). My work is half an hour away by car, and my friend’s birthday dinner was 45 minutes by car in the opposite direction. Yesterday morning, I woke up early and used the time to prepare for my own birthday party. But then I went to visit my cousin, a two hour drive, for a birthday party for her kids (boy-girl twins, turning 9). Then I rushed home in late afternoon for my own birthday party at my house. By around 11:00, I just kind of sat there, one big ball of anxiety wishing everyone would hurry up and go home. Among the guests was an entire family of five; I don’t think all five of them have ever been in my house at the same time. Usually it’s just the dad and the oldest kid, or just the parents, or something like that. Anyway, the two younger ones (I don’t remember how old, 5 and 4 maybe?) were screaming and running around and getting into everything and making a huge mess of the cake, and although I love these people dearly, late in the evening I was just ready for a break.

So my point is I needed this reminder. 🙂 Thank you.

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 4:12 pm

Aw I’m sorry I’m late with this but HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY!
I’m glad you had plenty of attention & a nice gift – if we can’t do something for our birthday that’s a bit special, then when can we? It definitely sounds like you’ve been busy busy, and having a lot on like that can be exhausting. I hope you’ve had some time to chill out and relax!
I’m glad you liked the post – sometimes we could probably all use this reminder to step back and take a breather.
Thanks for the comment! I hope you’re having a good (and less busy!) week so far ????

Reply
Stacey Chapman August 18, 2019 - 3:18 pm

Great post, filled with some really great and very necessary reminders. I think it’s safe to say we all get lost in the noise and clutter of our brains. It makes it so hard to take in the beauty of the moment and hard to see the great things going on all around us. Sadly, in today’s age, it can become impossible to disconnect. For this reason, I really love my dog walks!!! Thanks for the pointers and reminders, Caz!

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 4:15 pm

Absolutely, that noise & clutter in our brains can be overwhelming in itself even without everything else in life jumping on board. If I still had a dog I think I’d love dog walks for that same reason of disconnecting. Enjoy! And thank you for the lovely comment, Stace. ♥ xx

Reply
Gemma Orton August 18, 2019 - 4:47 pm

This is a great reminder. There are so many things we think we should be doing everyday. But it’s good to take time out now again.
All I’ve dine this weekend is colouring and listening to an audiobook. But that’s ok.

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 4:18 pm

Colouring & chilling with an audiobook sound like an excellent way to spend the weekend, Gemma! I’m glad you could relate to the post, and I hope you’re having a good week so far with plenty of relaxing time out too ????
xx

Reply
Michele Anderson August 18, 2019 - 8:11 pm

I hope this takes because I have trouble sometimes with my comments on some sites posting. This is my second try. Anyway, thanks for the reminder Caz because I’ve had a hectic couple of weeks and need to just flow.

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 4:20 pm

The comment has worked, thanks Michele! I’m sorry you have problems with comments sometimes – WP can be very glitchy & frustrating! I hope you manage to get enough rest & time to chill out over this week to recuperate from the busy busy couple of weeks you’ve had! ???? xx

Reply
The Oceanside Animals August 18, 2019 - 10:23 pm

Lulu: “Our Dada says this reminds him of a song or two.”
Charlee: “Lulu, you’ll soon learn that just about everything reminds our Dada of a song or two.”
Chaplin: “Or three.”
Lulu: “Hmm that could be a problem because he said I could post a link but I can only do one. Here it is!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZBBVthyGLo

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 4:27 pm

Aww thank you so much for the link – I’ve never heard of her before but she has a lovely voice & it’s a great track, I’m going to see if I can get the album on iTunes!
I hope you three are behaving yourselves ???? Tell your dada to have a lovely rest of his week!

Reply
Animalcouriers August 19, 2019 - 9:10 am

Great advice

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 4:29 pm

Aw, thanks – glad you liked it! I hope you’re having a great week so far. I had the email notification about your latest post, so I’m looking forward to seeing who’s been travelling lately! ????

Reply
Kim August 19, 2019 - 11:05 am

Taking down those plates now… I need to calm damn down! Breathing… awesome Caz! So needed to read this ????????

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 4:44 pm

I need to take my own advice too, but I don’t know if/when that’ll ever happen ???? Take down those plates, Kim! Hell, let them drop to the floor for a while. Breathe, relax, it will all be okay  ♥ xx

Reply
The Lonely Author August 19, 2019 - 12:52 pm

Caz, I can’t begin to tell you how many times, stopping to take a deep breath has changed my day. We need this reminder (breather) to get our bearings and reset.

Happy Monday

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 4:46 pm

I’m glad you’ve found it helpful to take those deep breaths, and I really do think a lot of us probably need the reminder from time to time; when things start to get overwhelming, it can be hard to pull ourselves away from the situation and take a break. Thank you for the great comment – I hope this week is treating you kindly, Drew ????

Reply
Kirsty August 19, 2019 - 2:05 pm

I needed to read this this week, thank you! I ended up in A&E in the middle of the night just over a week ago and have had to take it easy, even though my brain is full of 101 things I think I should be doing. Sometimes you just need to take it easy … and breathe.

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 4:53 pm

Oh no, Kirsty! I’m so sorry, are you okay?? Sending lots of gentle hugs your way  ♥ xx

Reply
Annie August 19, 2019 - 6:51 pm

Very sound advice. I meditate and have written a couple of posts about doing so, including one about the advantages of teaching mindfulness to school kids.

I want to thank you, Caz, for your virtual visits to me across the pond, delivering likes even when I’m writing about US politics. I hope you weren’t caught up in the snafu with my most recent post (about climate change, a worldwide problem even though my emphasis was on US). Those who responded early got an “Oops, nothing there “ message. My apologies if you had to revisit to access the post.

I think of you often, with great fondness.

Annie

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 4:55 pm

Thank you for such a lovely comment! I think mindfulness is something that should be on school curriculums, along with other aspects of mental health and stress. I can’t remember if I had that message when visiting your blog or if it was someone else’s, it happens occasionally I think because people change the link URL or title and it doesn’t automatically update when I go through my email notification of the post. Thank you also for your visits ‘across the pond’ to me, it’s very much appreciated! I hope this week is treating you kindly  ♥
xx

Reply
Michelle August 20, 2019 - 1:39 pm

Great reminders, Caz! We can never have too many. I’m trying very hard to remain mindful of this as I juggle my way through health issues for both my husband and I and the usual demands on life. Taking time to meditate, spend extra time with my husband and enjoy life actually seem to be making me more productive, so I can get more done in less time. That was a very unexpected bonus! I hope you’re finding the same thing to be true for you. We all need less stress in our lives. xx

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 20, 2019 - 4:58 pm

It can be hard to stay mindful of the need to breathe and take a step back, right? I think when we’re really caught up in busy-ness and feelings of overwhelm, it can be good to get a reminder to take a break and that everything will be okay. You’re right about how actually doing the things that help your mental health, like time with your husband and enjoying life, can make you more productive. Thank you for the great comment, Michelle! I hope you’re doing okay this week, you’ve had so much on your plate to contend with  ♥ xx

Reply
Charlotte August 20, 2019 - 5:34 pm

Love this thank you xx

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 21, 2019 - 2:47 pm

Glad you liked it, thanks Charlotte! I hope you’re having a lovely week so far ???? xx

Reply
mishka August 20, 2019 - 8:02 pm

Hi, I just wanted to let you know I nominated you for a Bloggers Recognition Award. 🙂

https://craftschronicillnessandadulting.wordpress.com/2019/08/20/bloggers-recognition-award/

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 21, 2019 - 2:52 pm

Aw thank you lovely, that’s very kind of you! I’m a bit behind on blogs so I’ll check it out now. I hope you’re keeping as well as possible this week, Mishka  ♥

Reply
Nisha August 22, 2019 - 9:00 pm

Great post Caz! So important to just breathe and Thanks for the wonderful reminder , love all your posts !

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 24, 2019 - 9:42 am

Aw, I’m really glad you liked it, thanks Nisha! xx

Reply
Taylor Grace August 25, 2019 - 3:22 pm

♥️ I remind myself often of this.

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 25, 2019 - 4:48 pm

That’s good, it’s an important one to remember. Thanks for reading, Taylor – I hope you’re having a lovely weekend ????

Reply
Morrighan August 29, 2019 - 11:01 am

“Remember that you’ve been through tough times before. You’ve likely felt exhausted and overwhelmed in the past. You’ve survived then and you can survive now.”

This I’m gonna try to imprint into my brain!

Reply
InvisiblyMe August 29, 2019 - 11:09 am

It can be hard to remember when we’re feeling overwhelmed, so I think we probably all need a reminder of it from time to time. I need to try to imprint it onto my brain, too! Thanks for the comment ????

Reply
Kiki November 5, 2019 - 3:50 pm

Hi! I love this! I tend to fall right in the trap of business! I took a class on Positive Psychology and the concept of mindfulness was highly discussed and referenced as an important habit to implement within daily practice! Great reminder!

Reply
InvisiblyMe November 7, 2019 - 5:10 pm

Mindfulness is a huge thing in the psychology and self-help worlds – did you enjoy the positive psych class? I find that area of psychology fascinating. It’s just hard to hold on to those thoughts and feelings and concepts for long enough to implement them in our lives deeply on a day to day basis. Thanks for the comment, Kiki! xx

Reply
Eliza December 4, 2019 - 6:07 pm

Just breathe. Just be. This too shall pass. (reminds me of the song ‘hey, you’re okay’ by Ze Frank.

Love, light and glitter

Reply
InvisiblyMe December 4, 2019 - 6:50 pm

I had to Google that as I hadn’t come across it before, it’s very zen!
‘Just breathe’, think how this current feeling / situation will pass, things can and will change.. hard to remember but important to remember. Thanks for the comment lovely  ♥ xx

Reply

Leave a Comment

Follow The Blog

Get the latest posts delivered to your mailbox: