Overwhelmed? Try this Simple Mental Health Hack

We've all been there – the crushing weight of stress, anxiety, and a million thoughts swirling at once. It's easy to feel paralyzed when overwhelm takes over. But there's a simple tool that can offer instant relief: journaling.

My Personal Solace: Whenever I'm feeling swamped, I turn to my journal. Here are the three questions I ask myself:

1. What am I feeling right now? Identifying and naming emotions is the first step.
2. Why am I feeling this way? Pinpointing the source takes away some of the emotion's power.
3. What can I do to feel better? This shifts my focus to solutions and self-care.

The act of writing brings me a sense of control and clarity. Science backs up this experience!

The Neuroscience Behind Journaling

When overwhelmed, our amygdala – the brain's fear center –? takes the wheel. Journaling activates our prefrontal cortex, the logical part of our brain. This shift from emotional reactivity to reasoning helps calm the storm.

Your Turn to Try

The next time you're feeling overwhelmed, grab a pen and paper or open a note on your phone. Explore the three questions above and see if it brings a sense of peace.

Research Supporting Journaling's Benefits

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