Overwhelm is the feeling of being overloaded—mentally, physically, emotionally, energetically - leaving you drained, unfocused, or disconnected from yourself. (‘spacey’).

It is hard to think clearly, stay present, or maintain emotional equilibrium, often leading to a strong desire to retreat or shut down.

Recognising the signs is the first step to managing and preventing it.

Remember this - you must Get Up Ahead Of It - that is what energy management is all about.

5 Top Tips for Dealing with Overstimulation & Overwhelm

- especially at familly or social gatherings.

#1. Set an Intention Beforehand.

Take a few quiet moments to visualise the gathering.

Set a clear intention for how you want to feel and how you want to engage.

E.g. I will focus on staying grounded, compassionate, and connected to my authentic self.

(1- 3 words very effective).

This intention acts as your energetic anchor throughout the event.

#2. Protect Your Energy.

Before heading into the gathering, meditate, breathe deeply and surround yourself with a protective shield of light.

This "energy bubble" filters what you absorb, allowing warmth and love and empathy to flow while deflecting negativity or overstimulation.

#3 Arrive Grounded and Centered

Spend 5–10 minutes before the event practicing a grounding exercise, visualising roots connecting you to the earth & focusing on your breath.

Arriving in a calm state will set the tone for how you navigate interactions.

Arrive feeling like YOU.

#4 Plan Your Personal Recharge Breaks.

Consider moments where you can step away to recalibrate.

A quick walk, visiting the bathroom to breathe deeply, or stepping outside for fresh air - these breaks will help you stay balanced and grounded.

Reconnect with your anchor energy.

#5 Have an Exit Strategy.

Be proactive about your time and energy limits. Decide in advance how long you’ll stay, and don’t hesitate to leave early if you feel overstimulated.

Frame your departure in your mind as self-care, not avoidance

— this allows you to prioritise your well-being (and makes it about you).

By preparing energetically, you can approach family gatherings with clarity and resilience to create a more fulfilling & positive experience.

Need further support in this area?

Energy Management and manging overwhelm is essential for HSPs and Empaths and if you leave it as an afterthought, it will come back to bite you in the form of exhaustion, overwhelm and burnout.

To help HSPs and Empaths remove resistance & embrace flow, I created a micro course:

Rhythm Resistance: Cultivate Your Optimal Energy Flow (€37)