7 Things to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed

Can you believe it? We are heading into the second month of the year. Times are running fast, and it can get overwhelming at times. Before you think about your deadlines and the amount of crafts and supplies you need to work on, let me give you the 7 things that you can do when you feel that heaviness. 

1. Jot down those thoughts.

A lot of times, you may feel overstimulated by the next projects to do, the colorways to add to your collection, or how to figure out the new pattern. These things can be good, but if they become a burden, pause and stitch your thoughts through words on paper. You’ll be surprised how journaling can bring you clarity. At times, it’s okay to put down your hook, grab your pen and notebook, and unravel the chaos in your mind. 

2. Delegate some tasks or ask for help. 

Sometimes, it takes a village to finish a project. Asking for help won’t hurt. And don’t forget to give grace to yourself when you don't meet your deadline, goal, or task.

3. Pause and meditate.

Take a moment to relish the beauty in the mundane. Stop for a few minutes, close your eyes, and name the good things that have happened to you so far in the past four weeks of the New Year. 

4. Read scriptures.

If it applies to you, read some scriptures that comfort and speak life to your soul. Don’t just let them pass by your eyes. Allow the words to lift off the pages until they fill your heart with peace, hope, and joy.

5. Break down the task. 

By now, you might have already started working on Rena’s #RTCEvolve Challenge for 2026. It’s good to know if you have. But also, no rush. Big projects can be overwhelming. So what you can do to make them less intimidating is break them down into small and doable tasks. That way, you won’t feel obligated to finish the piece all at once. Besides, you still have a long time to reach the deadline in May.   

6. Appreciate your progress.

Pat yourself on the back even when you have only done a few stitches for the day. In the wisdom of Lao Tzu, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” The same goes for your yarn project. Every single stitch is valuable to create a whole piece. So appreciate your progress and congratulate yourself not only when you finish a pattern but even during the process. Enjoy each step while looking forward to the outcome.

7. Have a mental diet. 

Be aware of the information and entertainment you consume. Some, even without you realizing it, can overstimulate your brain and sidetrack your focus and attention. Be intentional about what dwells on your mind. Direct the sails of your thoughts and go with the rhythms that bring you peace. 

Speaking of mental diet, music can do wonders for your soul. For that, here’s some relaxing music Rena recommends. You can listen to this while doing your project. In her words, “Here is one of my favorite channels when I want to wind down and just relax”: https://www.youtube.com/@jazzcafeambience. 

Daily Focus Planner

In addition, we’d love to share this downloadable Daily Focus Planner to help you craft with intentionality, mindfulness, and self-care. Get it here: 

Also, you might have already known that we launched our Stillness Collection earlier this month. If you haven’t yet, check it out here.

I hope these tips serve you well. We, at Rena’s Thread and Crafts, wish you peace and joy this year.

Happy crafting!