35 Quotes & Affirmations for When You Feel Overwhelmed

Life can feel overwhelming sometimes. Our quotes and affirmations can help.

Published June 11, 2024
Woman feeling overwhelmed

We all feel overwhelmed from time to time. With how busy (and stressful!) daily life can be, it's easy to get overwhelmed. And when that happens? That's when you take a moment, take a breath, and ground yourself. These quotes about being overwhelmed can help you refocus.

Overwhelmed Quotes That Can Calm You Down

Focus now on what really matters. The rest will sort itself out.

It's natural to feel overwhelmed sometimes. These overwhelmed quotes can recenter you.

  • When you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and then take things one step at a time.
  • When the only way around an overwhelming task is through it, start by doing one thing you can right now.
  • Let go of everything you think you have to do. Pause and breathe. 
  • When you feel overwhelmed, make a list of the things you can control and those you can't. Then, begin by focusing on one thing you can control.
  • Everything will get done. The way through is one step at a time.
  • "Keep it simple and focus on what matters. Don't let yourself be overwhelmed." ~ Confucius
  • You don't have to tackle everything right this second. Focus on one thing, and when that's done, focus on the next.
  • One foot in front of the other, and you'll be okay.
  • Give yourself a break and allow yourself the space to breathe. Everything else can wait.
  • Focus now on what really matters. The rest will sort itself out.
  • "You can't do everything. But you can do anything, one thing at a time." ~ Alex Mandossian
  • The only thing you can control is yourself. Take a deep breath and do the things that you can and let everything else take care of itself. 
  • Remember everything is temporary. This, too, shall pass.

Inspirational Quotes About Being Overwhelmed

Focus on the step you're taking now, not on the mountain you're climbing.

Feeling overwhelmed is uncomfortable. But these inspirational sayings can help you remember the truth... that you can accomplish anything.

  • Although the task feels monumental, you've done much harder things than this before.
  • Life isn't a race. Take things one step at a time and give yourself plenty of space to breathe.
  • Perfection isn't expected — just your best efforts. 
  • Take a break. Your health and well-being matters more than this. 
  • "For fast-acting relief, try slowing down." ~ Lily Tomlin
  • Focus on the step you're taking now, not on the mountain you're climbing. 
  • "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." ~ Lao Tzu
  • Everything can wait. Take care of yourself first, and everything else will fall into place.
  • "It always seems impossible before it's done." ~ Nelson Mandella
  • To make the impossible possible, take it one step at a time.
  • To reach the light at the end of the tunnel, walk through the tunnel one step at a time.
  • Sometimes the most difficult things are the ones most worth doing.

Related: What to Do When You're Overstimulated

Helpful Affirmations for When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

The storm is around me, not in me.

Sometimes all you need to help you through your overwhelm is to feel some hope. These affirmations can help you find a place of peace.

  • This can wait. My self-care needs are more important right now.
  • I will get through this. I can do difficult things.
  • I've been through worse than this, and I always come out on top.
  • I am the calm in the storm.
  • The storm is around me, not in me. 
  • I don't need to be perfect. I just need to do my best. 
  • I have done harder things than this, and they've helped me grow. This will, too.
  • I can do hard things.
  • I am strong and capable, and I will get through this.
  • I am resilient and capable. I will get through this. 

Related: 91 Affirmations for Work to Bring Positivity to Your Day

Ease Your Overwhelm

If you're feeling overwhelmed right now, you're not alone. But you can find your zen and move peacefully through whatever storm is raging around you. Try these quotes and affirmations to recenter and regain your peace. 

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35 Quotes & Affirmations for When You Feel Overwhelmed