How to Overcome Overwhelm: Boundaries, Saying No, and Slowing Down
When there’s too much to do and not enough time to do it, slowing down can feel impossible—but it’s often exactly what you need.
In this episode of the Slow Living Podcast, Stephanie O'Dea answers a listener question from Michelle about feeling overwhelmed, setting boundaries, and learning how to prioritize her own needs.
Stephanie talks about the reality of having too many responsibilities and the feeling of constantly trying to catch up. While you may not be able to change everything on your plate, you can change how you respond to it.
The conversation covers practical coping strategies, knowing when to say no to social invitations and obligations, and what to do when you feel yourself heading toward a panic attack or emotional freak-out.
Stephanie also shares why learning to talk to yourself with the same kindness and patience you'd offer a little kid can be a valuable skill—and how accepting reality as it is can help you create a calmer, more peaceful, and slower life.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How to recognize and work through feelings of overwhelm
- Why setting boundaries and saying no can protect your time and energy
- How to decide which social invitations and obligations you actually want to accept
- Coping strategies for those moments when you feel yourself starting to freak out
- Why talking to yourself with kindness can help you slow down
- How accepting reality can create more peace and less resistance
You don't have to do everything. Sometimes the path out of overwhelm begins with accepting what is, deciding what matters, and giving yourself permission to say no.
Read Stephanie's Book
📖 Slow Living: Cultivating a Life of Purpose in a Hustle-Driven World
Get the book on Amazon
Learn More About Stephanie O'Dea
Website: stephanieodea.com
Podcast: stephanieodea.com/podcast
Blog: stephanieodea.com/blog
Speaking: stephanieodea.com/speaking/
Podcast Notes
Find all podcast notes at stephanieodea.com/podcastnotes
Have a question you'd like Stephanie to cover, or a Slow Living Story of your own you'd like to share? Leave a voicemail.
