8 ways to put things back into perspective when life gets overwhelming

Life can be a real whirlwind sometimes. One moment, you’re cruising along, and the next, you’re swamped with challenges that make everything seem overwhelming.

But here’s the thing – it’s all about perspective. When life gets heavy, oftentimes, all we need is to take a beat and adjust our lens.

As someone who’s been there, I’m eager to share 8 simple strategies that always help me recalibrate when things feel out of whack. These tips are not about ignoring your problems, but about helping you see them in a new light that makes them more manageable.

So let’s dive into “8 ways to put things back into perspective when life gets overwhelming”. I promise you; it’s much simpler than you think.

1) Embrace the big picture

When life feels like a raging storm, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos. We often focus so much on the immediate troubles that we forget to step back and see the bigger picture.

But here’s a little secret – zooming out can work wonders. It can help you realize that your current struggle is just a tiny blip in the grand scheme of things.

Ask yourself, will this matter in a year? Five years? Chances are, the overwhelming issues you’re dealing with now will lose their significance over time.

Remember, you’re not just living for today. You’re building for a future that’s much bigger and brighter than any problem you’re facing right now.

So next time life feels unmanageable, take a deep breath, zoom out and embrace the big picture. It might just be the perspective shift you need.

2) Practice gratitude

There’s something incredibly grounding about gratitude. I’ve found that in my most stressful moments, taking a moment to acknowledge what I’m grateful for helps to put things back into perspective.

One evening, I was swamped with work, my car had broken down, and my to-do list seemed never-ending. In the midst of that chaos, I decided to take a five-minute break and jot down a few things I was grateful for.

To my surprise, the list was longer than I expected. Despite the stressors, I had health, family who loved me, a job that allowed me to pay the bills, and even a broken car meant I had transportation most of the time.

That simple act of practicing gratitude shifted my perspective from what was going wrong to what was going right. It didn’t eliminate my problems, but it reminded me of my blessings amidst the challenges, making the load feel a little lighter.

3) Get moving

Ever noticed how a brisk walk or a quick workout can instantly lift your mood? There’s actually scientific reasoning behind this. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters.

These endorphins play a key role in elevating your mood and reducing stress, helping to put things back into perspective. So when life gets overwhelming, remember to get moving.

It could be anything from a high-intensity workout to a simple walk in the park. The goal is to get those endorphins flowing and your perspective shifting!

4) Embrace impermanence

Buddhism teaches us a profound truth – everything in life is impermanent. This concept, known as Anicca, can be a powerful tool for putting things back into perspective when life gets overwhelming.

The understanding that nothing lasts forever can help you appreciate the good times more deeply and navigate the bad ones with more resilience.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into the concept of Anicca and how it can be applied in our daily lives.

Applying this Buddhist principle to your life doesn’t mean resigning yourself to misery. Instead, it’s about realizing that just as the good times won’t last forever, neither will the bad. This too shall pass. And armed with this knowledge, you’re better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way.

5) Reach out to others

I’ve always been the type to bottle things up, to shoulder my burdens alone. But that’s a lonely and exhausting way to live. Over time, I’ve learned that reaching out to others is not a sign of weakness, but a mark of strength.

Sharing your feelings with a trusted friend or family member can bring immense relief. It lightens the load and can provide you with a fresh perspective you hadn’t considered before.

Remember, we’re social creatures by nature and we’re not meant to go through life alone. So don’t hesitate to reach out when life gets overwhelming. A listening ear and a different viewpoint could be just what you need to put things back into perspective.

6) Permit yourself to feel

It might seem counter-intuitive, but sometimes the best way to gain perspective is to allow yourself to fully feel your emotions. Society often tells us to suppress negative feelings, to put on a brave face. But there’s value in acknowledging and understanding your emotions.

When we permit ourselves to feel, we’re acknowledging our human experience. By giving your feelings the space to exist, you’re allowing yourself the opportunity to understand them fully and then move through them.

It’s not about wallowing in sadness or stress, but about giving yourself permission to experience these emotions and then using that understanding to grow and move forward.

This process can provide a unique clarity and perspective that can’t be achieved by avoiding or suppressing your feelings.

7) Connect with nature

In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s easy to lose touch with nature. But immersing yourself in the natural world can have a profound effect on your perspective.

Being among trees, observing the rhythm of the ocean, or simply watching birds in flight can remind us of life’s simple pleasures and the beauty that surrounds us.

Nature operates at its own pace, unaffected by our personal stressors and struggles. This can be a powerful reminder that our problems, no matter how overwhelming they seem, are just one small part of a much larger, complex world.

So when life gets overwhelming, take time to connect with nature. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your perspective can change.

8) Practice mindfulness

In a world full of distractions, being present in the moment can be a challenge. But mindfulness – the act of paying active, open attention to the present – is the key to gaining perspective when life gets overwhelming.

When you practice mindfulness, you’re able to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Instead of getting swept away in your worries or fears, you’re able to acknowledge them and let them pass.

This simple but powerful practice can help you to not only manage stress but also to put things into perspective, reminding you that your thoughts and feelings are fleeting and do not define your reality.

Final thoughts: The power of perspective

In the grand tapestry of life, perspective is a powerful tool. It’s the lens through which we see our triumphs, our struggles, and everything in between. It’s not about diminishing our problems, but about seeing them in a light that makes them more manageable.

And remember, perspective isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a personal journey that takes time, patience, and practice. It’s about finding what works for you, whether it’s embracing the big picture or practicing mindfulness.

In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I explore how Buddhist principles can help us gain perspective and live more balanced lives.

At the end of the day, when life feels overwhelming, remember to breathe, take a step back, and adjust your lens. You might find that the world isn’t as daunting as it first seemed. The power to navigate life’s ups and downs lies within you – in your perspective.