Escaping the Chaos: Find Balance and Flow in Emotional Dysregulation 🌟
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, out of your depth, and completely alone—you’re not alone.
I’ve been there too, more times than I can count—and it’s perfectly okay to step away when you feel out of sorts.
We don’t always have someone to lean on in the moment—and that’s okay. But if it’s available, a loving hug or a chat with someone who truly gets it can make all the difference.
And when it’s not, the next best thing is giving yourself permission to take a moment:
🌬️ to breathe, reset, and catch up with the world outside while self-regulating—and figuring out your next move.
We can become our own support by slowing down, taking a breath, and listening to what we need.
No matter who I was surrounded by—loved ones 🏡, colleagues at work 💻, or strangers in a crowded room 🎉—I’ve learned to step away into a space of calm.
Finding small pockets of privacy has saved me more times than I can count:
• A bathroom at home 🚪
• A toilet cubicle at work 🚻
• A quiet moment outside 🌳
I take slow, deep breaths at a pace I can handle and let myself sit with whatever I’m feeling until it passes. Although sometimes, I need to have a really good cry—and when I naturally stop (usually because I’ve figured out what I need to do), I re-enter the world, feeling comforted and a little more grounded and secure within myself than before.
✨ Advocating for yourself is a game-changer.
For too long, I ignored my own needs to honour other people’s expectations and priorities.
I became so good at it that I lost sight of myself—it crept up slowly until my body finally spoke loud and clear: enough is enough!
🔸 And that’s not good for anyone—listen to your heart and body.
Taking a moment for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s an act of care. It helps you return stronger, clearer, and more aligned with who you are.
đź’ˇ Reflection:
Have you ever stepped away to collect yourself but felt guilty about it?
Or wished someone would notice your struggle and hold space for you?
🌟 Remember: Prioritising yourself doesn’t mean you’re letting others down—it means you’re showing up for yourself so you can show up more fully when it matters.
Small Shifts to Support Yourself When You Feel Overwhelmed:
- Pause and Breathe:
Take three slow, deep breaths to calm your mind. Focus on the sensation of air entering and leaving your body. - Scan Your Environment:
Find a quiet space—a bathroom, an empty room, or an outdoor spot—where you can gather your thoughts. - Name What You’re Feeling:
Say it out loud or write it down—stressed, drained, Naming emotions can make them feel more manageable. - Ask Yourself What You Need:
What small action can you take right now to feel calmer? A drink of water, a few minutes of quiet, or a deep breath? - Take a Micro-Moment:
Set a timer for 1–5 minutes and give yourself permission to pause, stretch, or just be still. - Switch Off:
Silence notifications or put your phone on Do Not Disturb if external noise is overstimulating you. - Step Outside:
A few minutes of fresh air and a change of scenery can do wonders for resetting your mind. - Repeat a Grounding Phrase:
Try: “I am safe,” “This will pass,” or “It’s okay to reset.” Let these words remind you of your resilience. - Celebrate the Pause:
Acknowledge your effort—taking time to reset is an act of self-care, not weakness.
I never imagined how much these private spaces would become such powerful tools in my mental health journey—or how much practice I’d get at allowing myself to feel everything that came up as I contemplated how and when to resume life.
đź’ˇ Your time and energy matter. Trust yourself to take the space you need, even for just a few minutes.
And if you’re not quite there yet, that’s okay—it’s a practice, not a race.
✨ What’s one small step you can take today to create a moment of calm?
If you need help finding your own way to pause and reset, I’d love to support you—reach out, and let’s connect.