Understanding Yourself
  • English
  • Overwhelm
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Evidence-Informed

Feeling Really Overwhelmed? Discover the Science of Emotion Regulation

By Dr. Tracey Marks

What you'll learn

Feeling overwhelmed isn't simply about having too much to do. It can happen when your brain and nervous system are trying to process more than they can comfortably handle.

This video explains what overwhelm really is, how it affects emotional regulation, and why seemingly small situations can suddenly feel impossible when your mental capacity has been exceeded.

Why we recommend it

Travelling can be exciting, but it also asks a lot from your brain. New environments, unfamiliar routines, constant decision-making, social interactions and sensory input all require mental energy.

Sometimes it isn’t one big event that leads to overwhelm—it’s the accumulation of many small demands throughout the day.

Understanding how overwhelm develops can help you recognise the early signs, adjust your plans and give yourself permission to rest before reaching your limit.

Related resources

More related resources are on their way.