When It All Feels Too Much

Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s What I’m Doing (and Maybe You Can Too!)

Today I want to talk honestly today about something that I think we all experience at times: overwhelm.

And truthfully, I’m not just writing this for you… I’m writing it for me too.

When the Juggle Feels More Like a Struggle
Right now, life feels full. My youngest is in their final term of primary school (which means leavers’ events, transition bits, and paperwork galore), while my eldest is deep into their Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions. Work is extra busy with summer term events—sports days, one-off school workshops, and my regular classes. And of course, the family stuff keeps ticking on: my husband working away, daily logistics, and trying to remember who needs what and when.

So, yes, I’ve been feeling it. That creeping sense of, “I can’t do it all.” And if you’re feeling it too—balancing your teaching, business, and family life—please know you’re not alone.
Here are some things I’m putting into place (or at least trying! 🙃) right now to gently support myself. I hope they help you too.


My Body Comes First
When I’m feeling overwhelmed, my nervous system needs care before I can do anything else. So I’m starting with my body:

• Hydration – I’ve made sure to keep a water bottle by my side all day. I’m also washing my hands in cold water when I need a reset—it’s such a simple grounding practice and easy to do, even if I’m teaching in school all day. If I can manage a swim, even better!
• Nourishment – I’ve noticed myself reaching for sugar when I’m stressed. No guilt here—but I’m trying to consciously preparing more nourishing snacks (like boiled eggs or oat bars) so I’ve got fuel on the go.
  
• Movement – I’m prioritising gentle movement: walks in the woods, a quick stretch, or dancing around the kitchen. Even if I can’t get to a full class, I am trying to remind myself that something is better than nothing.
• Sleep – Oh goodness, this one’s fallen off my radar. I’ve been staying up too late for “me time,” but it’s not really serving me. So I’m aiming to get to bed earlier and protect that rest. It starts tonight (honest!)
  
  
  Catching My Thoughts Before They Spiral
  

Our minds can be just as messy as our calendars when overwhelm hits. Here’s how I’m trying to gently tend to mine:

• All-or-Nothing Thinking – I often fall into the trap of “If I can’t do the full class, there’s no point.” But I’m flipping that. Can’t do an hour of exercise? A 20-minute walk is still valuable. Can’t journal for ages? A five-minute gratitude list counts.
• Comparison – When I’m tired and frazzled, it’s easy to look at others and think, “How are they doing it all?” But comparison is the thief of joy (love that phrase!). We never know the full story behind someone else’s calm exterior.
• Critical Voice – I can be harsh on myself—and sometimes on others—when I’m stretched too thin. So I’m pausing, noticing when that voice pipes up, and choosing kindness instead (mostly!).

Loosening the Reins (On Purpose)
This one feels big: I’m giving myself permission to lower the bar.
Not forever (hopefully!) Just for now.

• My home – My laundry piles are growing, and my youngest’s art projects have taken over the dining room. And… that’s okay. I’m keeping a few calm zones tidy (like the lounge and my bedroom), but letting the rest be what it is.
  
• Emails – Instead of checking emails twice a day, I’m switching to once. Maybe if I need to I might move this to every few days, even setting an auto-responder to manage expectations. Less time replying = more space to breathe.
• The Rubber Balls – You might know that metaphor about juggling glass and rubber balls. Some drop and bounce. Some shatter. Right now, I’m choosing to let the laundry and inbox balls bounce. The ones I’m keeping in the air? (the glass balls)…  My nervous system.My well-being. My family's well-being. 

A Reminder for You (and Me)
We don’t have to be superhuman to make a difference in children’s lives. We  just need to keep coming back to ourselves—with compassion, not pressure.

Our presence—regulated, rested, nourished—is the most powerful gift we have to share so let’s nurture it.

Be gentle with yourself.
You’re doing beautifully—even when it feels messy.
With love,
Julia x