How Witches Take Care of Themselves When Feeling Overwhelmed

“I’ve had enough of this. My family and people at work are so hard to get along with. That’s it! I’m overwhelmed,” my friend, Janet, said.

This conversation stuck with me.

Someone new to Wicca asked me, “How does Wicca help you with daily life?”

I felt like saying, “I’ll tell you. Do you have an hour?”

I have three insights for when we’re dealing with feeling overwhelmed.

Breathe

I’ve learned that belly breathing is truly supportive. When we’re overwhelmed, many of us breathe shallowly—up high in the chest. Breathing in deeply and having your belly area inflate is helpful. You can add the intention, “Goddess relaxes me.”

Talk with the Gods about having “peace in the middle of the action”

Witches know that words have power. If you call something a crisis, then it feels worse. If you talk about being in a “vigorous time,” then it puts things into perspective. During meditation, I ask the Gods to help me find peace in the middle of my day. Saying in “the middle of the action” can come across as neutral. At least, you’re not adding words that make a situation feel like a disaster (when it’s really not that bad).

Read a book or talk with a spiritual elder to get a new perspective

One time, I was reading about the Wheel of the Year, and I had the real impression that with the seasons, everything has its time and place. I could go through a tough season of planting. Eventually, I’ll get to the season of harvest.

May these insights help you take a breath, slow down for a bit and find your way.

Blessed Be,
Moonwater