When Everything Feels Like Too Much: How to Survive Mentally During High-Stress Seasons
Some seasons in life feel like a marathon without water breaks.
Maybe you’re in the middle of writing your thesis, prepping for final exams, juggling job applications, or trying to show up for everything and everyone—while your brain quietly screams, “I cannot keep up.”
If that’s you right now, first of all: you’re not alone. You’re not lazy. You’re not bad at managing time. You’re simply human—and under pressure.
Let’s talk about what happens during these intense mental seasons, and how you can care for yourself without expecting superhuman performance.
The 34-Tab Brain
You know that feeling when your computer is lagging and you realize you’ve got 34 tabs open? That’s what high-stress seasons feel like for your brain.
You’ve got deadlines, responsibilities, emotions, distractions, self-doubt, and somewhere in the background… music is playing and you have no idea where it’s coming from.
This isn’t a sign you’re doing something wrong. It’s what happens when your cognitive and emotional bandwidth is maxed out.
Your nervous system is in “high alert” mode, and your executive functioning (focus, planning, motivation) often starts to short-circuit. That’s why small tasks suddenly feel huge. You’re not broken. You’re overwhelmed.
Why You Might Be Struggling With “Small” Things
When we’re stretched thin, even basic tasks can feel impossible. Emails pile up. Dishes stack. Making decisions feels exhausting.
This is what’s often called decision fatigue—a real, documented psychological state where your brain becomes less capable of making even simple choices after long periods of stress.
You don’t need to wait until you crash to care for your mind.
How to Take Care of Your Brain (and Heart) in These Seasons
1. Micro-Breaks Matter
Even five minutes of true stillness can make a difference. Step outside. Lie down. Listen to music.
The goal is not to “earn” rest—you already deserve it.
2. Lower the Bar on Non-Essentials
Now is not the time for perfection. Let go of non-urgent obligations. Your brain is already doing enough heavy lifting.
3. Progress Over Perfection
Write the messy first draft. Do the short study session. A little progress consistently is better than burning out in a single burst.
4. Have a Safe Person to Be Honest With
Pick someone you can be real with. A friend who doesn’t judge, fix, or compare—just reminds you you’re doing your best.
Productivity Tips for When You’re Mentally Drained
This part is important: you can still get things done during tough times—but the way you work might need to look different.
Here are some practical strategies that actually support your brain instead of draining it further:
1. Use the Pomodoro Method—But Loosely
Set a timer for 25 minutes. Focus on one task. Then take a 5–10 minute break.
This keeps your brain from fatigue and adds structure without pressure.
Too tired for 25 minutes? Do 10. The point is movement, not max output.
2. Start With an “Activation” Task
Pick one easy win to start your day—a task that tells your brain, “We’re moving.”
Examples: opening your document, cleaning your desk, reviewing your to-do list, answering a single email. Momentum builds from there.
3. Time-Box, Don’t To-Do List
Instead of a long checklist, try blocking out chunks of time for specific tasks (e.g., “9:00–9:30: Read article for thesis”).
This reduces decision fatigue and helps you stay realistic with your energy.
4. Build In Recovery Time—On Purpose
Don’t cram all day and “rest if there’s time.”
Schedule breaks as if they’re part of your work. Because they are.
5. Externalize Everything
Get your thoughts and tasks out of your head and onto paper, an app, or sticky notes.
This reduces overwhelm and gives your brain a little breathing room.
6. Have a “Bare Minimum” Day Option
Create a list of tasks you can do when you’re low on energy—but still want to stay in motion.
Examples: skim notes, organize one folder, re-read your own draft. Something > nothing.
Final Thoughts: You’re Allowed to Survive, Not Thrive
If you’ve been stuck in survival mode lately—this is your reminder that it’s okay to just get through it. You don’t have to be your most productive, inspired, or grateful self right now.
You just have to keep going, one tiny step at a time.
This season won’t last forever. But while you’re in it, be gentle. Your future self doesn’t need you to be perfect—they need you to make it through.
And you will.