Tips to avoid overreacting to everything

Everyone overreacts sometimes. They get into an immediate, visceral emotional reaction and do or say things that we later regret. Everyone is different, but if you experience frequent panic attacks, it may be time to do something about it. While it's always a good idea to talk to a professional, there's no reason to feel crazy or unhealthy. Feeling and appreciating your feelings is a good thing, as long as it doesn't affect you and doesn't harm other people.

When it comes to mishaps and overreactions, the most important thing is to understand the trigger; It's okay to freak out if you're unexpectedly laid off from your job and don't have enough money to pay the rent. Now are you screaming and crying over a jammed door? This is an overreaction.

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Here are five things you can do to avoid overreacting and manage your emotions during stressful times.

Understand what is bothering you

We all have triggers, even if we don't know what they are. Think about what bothers you and moments when people really annoyed you. Keep these in mind, write them down and try to think about your feelings at that moment. Were you hungry, sleepy, or had a stressful day? All of this contributes to overreaction. The next time one of your triggers occurs, you may still be upset, but you'll be better equipped to deal with it in a healthier way.

Implement a 10-second rule

If you can, try to remove yourself from the situation and take a breather. Count to 10 and think before you act. “By giving yourself some time to think before reacting, you increase your ability to prevent yourself from overreacting and doing something you'll regret,” psychologist LA Barlow tells Bustle.

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Deep breathing is a cliche, but it works

Before you do anything that might make you stressed or emotional, take a deep breath and think about your situation. If you are actually faced with something stressful and triggering, take another deep breath. This slows you down and oxygenates your brain, giving you a few seconds to think about something more thoughtful and positive than walking away or yelling.

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Try to step away from the problem and look at things from a more objective perspective. “Find a way to be compassionate and avoid personalizing what happened to you,” explains Psychology Today.

Notice the sweet, relaxing tingle in your brain. | Photo of
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Speak it out

Often we overreact because we have been suppressing our feelings for a long time and take the first opportunity to open the floodgates and destroy everything that comes our way. To prevent this, try to address problems in the moment they bother you and talk about them with a loved one who can give you perspective or feedback. If you prefer a more private route, you can also write down your feelings in a journal or a piece of paper.