Frustration, overwhelm, and stress are just some of the emotions we experience when faced with challenges, and we’ve all been there when these emotions get the best of us.
Wallowing in these states and feeling sorry for ourselves often leads to no good place.
Instead, I like to be proactive and focus on what I can do!
When Overwhelmed, Help Someone Else
This has led to a realisation: when we feel ourselves becoming swamped (for want of a better word) by our challenges, one of the best actions we can take is to help someone else!
Sometimes we just need a break from our own challenges, for several reasons.
Why We Need a Break From Our Own Challenges
Maybe we’ve been ruminating on them for too long, which is contributing to our overwhelm and stress. And when this happens, solving them becomes 10x harder! (I know this from experience!) It’s a big part of why, in my experience, worrying itself doesn’t actually work.
When we help someone else, it doesn’t only help us detach from our own challenges; we also get to feel good, because we know we’re helping someone else. In fact, the science is clear on this: the American Psychological Association reports that acts of kindness and volunteering boost happiness and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, largely by making us feel more connected to others.
I can’t remember a time when I’ve helped someone else and felt worse than before. On reflection, whenever I’ve tried this, it’s got me out of whatever funk I was in at the time, put life into perspective, and given me a well-needed break from whatever was on my mind, or whatever challenge I was facing. This is exactly why I believe helping others should feel good, not drain you.
The Core Human Traits Helping Fulfils
Contribution, meaning, service, purpose, and connection are all part of what it means to be human, and by helping others, no matter how small the act, we tick the box of each one of these core traits.
Your Move: Stop, Pause, Help
Next time you notice yourself getting caught up in your own challenges, stop, take a pause, and go and help someone else!
Key Takeaways on Overcoming Overwhelm
- Shift your focus away from personal stress: Assisting others gives you a mental break from your own troubles. It breaks the cycle of constant worrying.
- Boost your well-being naturally: Small acts of kindness reduce anxiety and lower stress levels. Giving back builds instant human connection and lifts your mood.
- Fulfil core human needs: Serving others brings purpose, meaning, and connection into your daily routine. It reminds you what truly matters in life.
- Pause and take positive action: When frustration hits, stop what you are doing. Step back and find a small way to support someone around you.
FAQs for Feeling Overwhelmed? Go Help Someone Else
Why does supporting someone else reduce your personal stress?
Helping others shifts your attention away from your own continuous worries. It offers a mental break from persistent thoughts that cause tension. Science shows that kindness releases feel-good hormones, lowering your anxiety levels and lifting your spirits.
What should you do when you feel completely stuck in your own head?
Pause immediately. Step away from your current task and look for a quick way to assist a friend, colleague, or neighbour. This can help you step outside your worries and regain clear perspective.
Does the size of the helpful act matter?
Not at all. Even tiny gestures make a real difference. Sending a thoughtful text, opening a door, or listening to a friend satisfies basic human needs for connection and purpose without draining your energy.
Can aiding others help you solve your own problems faster?
Yes. Ruminating on a challenge often makes it harder to resolve. Taking a break to assist someone clears your head, so you return to your own situations with renewed focus and fresh insights.
How do you help others without feeling drained yourself?
Set light boundaries and choose simple actions that feel uplifting rather than heavy. Giving support should bring joy and energy, creating a healthy balance for your mental health.
