How to spot the signs of overwhelm, and find calm naturally

Overwhelm is something that can cause stress and an inability to fully switch off after a busy day. Between work, family life, and the endless notifications via our mobile devices, it’s no wonder that we feel constantly tired, and unable to finish any tasks from start to finish!

Overwhelm isn't always noticeable, it gradually shows up in our bodies, our sleep, and in our moods. Here’s how to spot it, and more importantly, how to naturally ease it.

Signs of Overwhelm
1) You feel irritable for no clear reason.
Snapping at the tiniest of problems, or crying for what seems like no reason? You’re not alone. When we’re overloaded, our emotional resilience takes a hit.

2) You are tired all of the time—even after a full night’s sleep.
If your brain hasn’t switched off properly, rest won’t feel as restful. A constantly “on” mind is exhausting.

3) You struggle to focus.
Starting tasks feels impossible, and finishing them - even harder. This lack of focus and inability to concentrate is a classic sign your nervous system needs a breather.

4) Your body feels tight/achy.
Jaw clenched, and feeling sore? Shoulders up to your ears? Aches and tensions in your body can come from your stress response.

5) You start avoiding things.
When everything feels “too much,” procrastination, and inaction, becomes a default survival strategy.

Natural ways to ease overwhelm
You don’t need overhaul your life completely, as this may cause even greater feelings of overwhelm, but you can include small habits and rituals in to your daily life which can make a big difference.

✨ Take time away from screens during the day
Step away from your screen. Breathe deeply, have a gentle stretch. Even a two-minute pause in the day can lower cortisol and restore clarity.

🌿 Take time to have a cup of tea
A warm cup of herbal tea is more than just a drink—it’s a pause, a release of oxytocin in your body,  which signals to your body and mind that it’s safe to slow down.

Our Night Owl tea is blended with calming chamomile, soothing lavender, and valerian root to help you wind down before bed (or whenever you feel the need for a moment of calm).

📋 Make a list of tasks and events
If you write down everything buzzing around your head—then prioritise the immediate things, and set a realistic time frame for the rest. Be honest - what actually needs doing today?

💛 You’ are not alone
Overwhelm is human, but you don’t have to struggle through it alone. Speak to loved ones, and friends. They may be unaware of how you are feeling, and how it is impacting your day to day life. They will be able to offer support, especially a partner, as they can pick up and share some of the many things that you are struggling with alone.

🍫 Soothe your senses with adaptogens
Ashwagandha is a brilliant herb, containing natural adaptogens which are known to manage stress and balance energy. 

Our And Breathe Ashwagandha hot chocolate is rich, comforting, packed with antioxidants, and helps to restore and calm even the busiest of minds after a long day.

🌛 Wind down properly
Let the lights dim, have a phone amnesty at least 1 hour before bed. An evening routine, can help signal to your body and mind that it is time to relax and unwind, which will make it easier to get a better nights sleep.

It is important to give yourself permission to rest, reset, and create habits and rituals that will help to ease the feelings of overwhelm. If you internalise them, and don't address the causes, it can lead to burnout, and perhaps longer term illness. 

A cup of tea or hot chocolate or tea won't magically cure all, but it can give you a much needed moment of calm to slow down, and restore - one sip at a time.