10 Simple Ways to Slow Down When You're Overwhelmed at Work
Let's talk about feeling overwhelmed at work. You know that sensation when your head is too full of ideas, tasks, emails, and existential dread? Yeah, me too.
The wildest thing is, I actually enjoy my work! I have control over my schedule, work from home, and do things I love. But even with all these privileges, I still find myself underwater sometimes, struggling with sleep and basic self-care.
The Reality Check No One Asked For
Let's be honest – telling folks to "slow down" right now feels a bit ridiculous. We're all trying to survive under capitalism while our nervous systems are doing the cha-cha slide. My logical, anxiety-prone brain keeps saying "do more more more" while my body is begging for a nap.
Finding balance between wellness and survival feels nearly impossible. And you know what? That's exactly how the system was designed to work. Cool cool cool.
Why Most "Slow Down" Advice Is Garbage
I've learned that about half of you work 9-to-5 jobs, some have side hustles, and others run your own businesses. So I get that generic advice about "taking breaks" hits different when:
Your boss is an asshole
Rent is due
Your time isn't really your own
You're on someone else's payroll
Carving out time for self-care can feel self-indulgent, unproductive, or straight-up unrealistic. The panic is real: "If I don't respond to this email immediately or if I take a mental health day, everything will fall apart!"
I'm not here to gaslight you – these fears aren't irrational. Your livelihood might actually be affected by setting boundaries. BUT (and it's a big but), we can still find tiny pockets of rebellion.
10 Rebellious Ways to Reclaim Your Time
Be the Meeting Canceler You Wish to See in the World
Reschedule one meeting this week
Claim a meeting-free day
Get Real About Deadlines
That timeline that's making you sweat? Ask for an extension
Your worth isn't measured by your speed
Most deadlines are more flexible than they seem
Embrace the Power of "Nope"
Say no to one optional thing you're too tired for
Your energy is a limited resource
FOMO is better than burnout
Stop Living That Back-to-Back Life
Add 30-minute buffers between meetings
Give your brain time to switch gears
Let yourself breathe (literally)
Quit Being a People-Pleasing Calendar Queen
Offer times that actually work for YOU first
Stop contorting your schedule for others
Trust that compromise is possible
Make Breaks Non-Negotiable
15 minutes minimum
Add it to your calendar
Yes, you really need this
Choose Play
Say yes to something that feels good
Doesn't have to be "productive"
Your inner child will thank you
Move Your Body (Even a Little)
10-minute walks count
Around your house counts
Just get away from that desk
Stop Making Promises Your Future Self Will Hate
No more "I'll get this to you first thing tomorrow!"
Try: "Let me check my workload and get back to you"
Or: "When do you actually need this by?"
Brain Dump That Shit
Get the thoughts out of your head
Paper, notes app, voice memo – whatever works
Can sometimes become a blog post (hi!)
Real Talk
I'm not here to tell you these tips will magically fix everything. The system we're working in is fundamentally broken, and individual solutions can only do so much. But small acts of rebellion – like protecting your time and energy – matter.
You're doing better than you think you are. Promise. Even reading this post means you're trying to take care of yourself, and that counts for something.
Start with one tiny change. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't. The point isn't to be perfect – it's to keep trying until you find what works for your unique situation.
Remember: You're not alone in this overwhelm. We're all figuring it out together, one cancelled meeting at a time.
