Everyone gets a bit fed up sometimes. Life piles on, things feel overwhelming, and you’re just done with everything. But when you’re in that headspace, small changes can make a big difference. Here are 10 straightforward things you can do when you’re over it all, without making it a big production or adding more pressure.
Get outside for 10 minutes.
It sounds simple because it is. Get outside, no matter the weather (because chances are it’s not going to be that great in the UK on any given day). The change in environment alone can shift your mood just enough to break the cycle of frustration. Fresh air and movement, even if it’s just standing still for a few minutes in the garden, can help reset your mindset when everything feels like too much.
Turn off your phone for a bit.
It’s easy to feel even more fed up when your phone is constantly vibrating/buzzing, pulling you into social media, emails, and bad news. Turn it off for an hour or even just 20 minutes to give yourself some space from the noise. You’ll be surprised at how much calmer you feel when you disconnect from the endless stream of information.
Clean one small thing.
When life feels chaotic, start with something manageable. Pick one thing, like clearing off your desk or cleaning out your fridge, and focus on that small task. It won’t solve all your problems, but it will give you a sense of accomplishment and a bit of control over your environment.
Write down whatever’s bothering you.
Sometimes, getting out of your own head is the quickest way to feel less fed up. Grab a notebook or a piece of paper and write down exactly what’s frustrating you. Don’t overthink it or worry about neatness. Just putting your thoughts down on paper can make them feel less overwhelming.
Drink a glass of water.
When you’re fed up, the last thing you think about is hydration. But drinking a glass of water is an easy way to help your body and mind feel a little more balanced. It’s not a miracle fix, but it’s a small, simple action that can help when everything feels too much.
Break something down into smaller steps.
Feeling overwhelmed often comes from having too much on your plate at once, so take one task and break it into smaller steps. You don’t have to do it all right now—just focus on the first step. Moving forward even a little bit can make things feel less daunting.
Talk to someone, even if it’s brief.
You don’t have to dive into deep conversations or vent all your frustrations. Just reaching out to someone by sending a text or having a quick chat can make you feel so much better and get you out of your own head for a few minutes. Human connection, even in small doses, can help you feel less isolated when you’re over everything.
Change something small in your routine.
When you’re fed up, it can feel like you’re stuck in a rut. The best way to get out of it is to change something small—wear something different, take a different route to work, or have a different breakfast. These small changes can shift your perspective and make you feel like you’re shaking things up, even in a minor way.
Listen to music that matches your mood.
If you’re angry, play something that helps you feel it. If you’re sad, play something that lets you wallow for a bit. Matching your music to your mood instead of trying to force yourself into feeling better can actually help you move through those emotions faster. Music can be cathartic, so let it all out by singing at the top of your lungs, dancing around your house, or simply just letting the sounds wash over you. It sounds silly, but it definitely works.
Give yourself permission to do nothing for a while.
Sometimes the best thing to do when you’re feeling like this is nothing at all. Stop trying to push through or “fix” everything in the moment. Sit down, watch TV, scroll mindlessly, or just stare into space for a while. Giving yourself a break can help you recharge without the pressure to be productive.
