Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s How It’s Impacting Your Body

Overwhelm is a word we often use to describe the feeling of having too much on our plate. But did you know that chronic overwhelm can take a serious toll on your physical and mental health? If you're feeling stretched too thin, exhausted, or stuck in a cycle of stress, you're not alone. As a Nationally-Board Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach, I’ve worked with many clients who struggle with overwhelm and the physical symptoms that come with it. Let’s explore how overwhelm affects your body and, more importantly, how you can regain balance.

Overwhelm isn’t just about feeling stressed—it’s a physiological response that impacts multiple systems in your body. When you're constantly in a state of mental overload, your nervous system reacts by triggering the fight-or-flight response. This means:

Over time, if left unchecked, overwhelm can contribute to serious health conditions such as adrenal fatigue, high blood pressure, autoimmune flares, and even hormone imbalances.

Do you experience any of these symptoms?

If so, your body may be telling you that it’s time to reduce overwhelm and restore balance.

1. Reframe Your Mindset

Instead of thinking, I can't handle this, shift your perspective to How can I make this more manageable? Small mindset shifts like this can help you regain a sense of control.

2. Prioritize What Truly Matters

When everything feels urgent, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos. Ask yourself:

• What must be done today?

• What can wait until tomorrow?

• What isn’t necessary at all?

By focusing on what truly matters, you can reduce the mental clutter that contributes to overwhelm.

3. Support Your Body with Nourishing Foods

Your diet plays a crucial role in managing stress. Focus on:

• Protein-rich meals to stabilize blood sugar and prevent energy crashes.

• Electrolytes to support hydration and adrenal function.

• Gut-friendly foods like cooked zucchini and bone broth if digestion is affected.

• Low-histamine foods if you’re experiencing inflammation, sinus issues, or skin reactions.

4. Create a Simple Self-Care Routine

Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate. Small daily habits can make a huge difference, such as:

• Taking deep breaths when stress rises

• Going for a short walk to clear your mind

• Incorporating short naps or breaks throughout the day

• Practicing gentle movement like yoga or stretching

5. Reduce Stress Eating with Mindful Choices

Overwhelm often triggers emotional eating. If this is a struggle for you, my Break Free From Stress Eating program offers simple strategies to help you make mindful food choices and break free from unhealthy eating patterns.

6. Seek Support

Healing from chronic stress and overwhelm isn’t something you have to do alone. Having a coach who understands functional medicine and root-cause healing can make all the difference. Research shows that working with a functional medicine health coach for just five sessions can reduce symptoms by 25%.

One of my clients, Whitney, shared this after working with me:

"In just a few short months, I made HUGE progress in my life. Colette helped me reframe my thinking in such a profound way—it has changed my life! I am so thankful I was led to her."

If you feel overwhelmed, know that you don’t have to stay stuck. There is hope, and there is a path forward. Let’s work together to find what works for you and help you feel lighter, healthier, and more at peace.

Ready to take the first step? Book a 1-on-1 call with me today and let’s create a plan that supports your well-being.