Whether it’s because of work, school, social obligations or just life in general, we all feel overwhelmed, anxious or stressed at some point. For Day 6 of our countdown to World Mental Health Day, try some of these self-care tips when you’re feeling overwhelmed:

1. Step away and take a deep breath. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, a quick way to begin to alleviate those feelings is by doing breathing exercises. If the thing that’s overwhelming you is in front of you, try stepping away from it to create some separation.
2. Create a “no” list. Say no to activities that you do not want to do or don’t have bandwidth to do. Protecting your time and space can help give you a sense of control over your schedule.
3. Be kind to yourself. Remember that it’s OK to feel overwhelmed. It also helps to remember that the overwhelming feelings don’t have to last.
4. Ask for help from a loved one. Your social support network is there for you to lean on if you need to vent or talk things through. Reach out to a friend for a virtual chat or pick up the phone and call a family member.
5. Write it out. Writing down why you feel overwhelmed or anxious is another great way to help alleviate those feelings. It helps to do this unstructured — having a written stream of consciousness allows you to express yourself freely and getting those thoughts out of your head will be a relief.

If you need more inspiration about what to include in a self-care plan, check out this blog post.