How to Embrace Overwhelm
Dear Artist,
As an artist or creator, overwhelm is not just inevitable—it’s essential.
Because being an artist or a creator means having a vision of something that doesn’t exist yet. And bringing that vision to life often requires stepping outside your comfort zone and taking risks.
—> It’s about diving deep into the heart of who you are, finding a piece of your soul, and having the courage and tenacity to bring that piece out into the world.
It’s an unorthodox (and sometimes scary) path.
From my conversations with hundreds of artists, I know that the nature of this path means that many of us have incredibly open hearts—and that sensitivity makes us more vulnerable to overwhelm.
So instead of pretending that overwhelm doesn’t exist, we need to embrace it as a part of the process. By recognizing it, we can find the tools, communities, and systems that allow us to navigate it in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.
As someone who walks this path, there are so many times I’ve fallen into the trap of overwhelm. More times than I can count. And in the past, those “storms” (as I like to call them) would sometimes last weeks or even months.
But through trial and error, I’ve learned tools and systems that help me weather the storms within a day or two. And below, I’m sharing my personal 8-part system for dealing with overwhelm.
As a fellow creator, I want to share this system with you. My goal isn’t for you to copy it exactly, but perhaps a handful of the steps will resonate and help you develop your own way of managing overwhelm.
Today’s class is in the MediClass format: part guided meditation, part lesson, and part storytelling. As always, you’ll find a journaling prompt below to help you reflect, integrate, and go deeper.
If you have any questions, I’m always here to help.
Big love,
D
8 Steps To Help You Embrace Overwhelm As A Creator
Hit play on the audio below to start the MediClass. I share a personal story about how I regain balance in my life, my 8-part system for handling the storms with grace, and a gentle meditation to help you release overwhelm. The journaling prompt is in the next section below.
Here are the timestamps from today’s audio MediClass for your reference:
0:00 - Introduction
3:20 - Story: Finding my rhythm as a creator & embracing overwhelm
7:25 - Lesson: 8 steps to manage overwhelm like a pro
19:58 - Meditation: Releasing overwhelm and stress for artists & creators
26:30 - Closing remarks
For your convenience, here are the 8 steps to help you manage overwhelm from today’s MediClass:
Tell 2 People
Name the storm, and let two humans know you’re in the midst of a storm. One of those two people should be YOU (more details about this in the audio). It helps to share what you’re going through and lighten the emotional load.
Take Your MEDS
Prioritize your essentials: Meditation, Exercise, Diet, Sleep. These four pillars keep your mind and body grounded during challenging times.
Tidy Up the Little Messes
Take time to clear your clutter. Allow trapped energy to flow freely again, and don’t let stagnant energy weigh you down.
Walk It Off
Go for a long walk, and if possible, in nature. I like to imagine that the stress is stuck to my body; when I walk in nature, it’s as if the wind and sun help the sticky energy literally fall off my body as I move through space.
Create a To-Do List
Write down everything that’s on your plate. Then, choose the 3 most important tasks, or start with 3 easy tasks to build momentum.
Put Away Your Phone
Don’t fall into the rabbit holes that steal your hours and drain your life. Set boundaries with your devices.
Timeblock Your Priorities
Organize your time around what truly matters. Focus on the tasks that align with your goals and energy levels.
Make Two Lists and Share Them
Energy Boost List – Identify simple things that give you an instant boost. Examples: a shower, cutting your nails, a walk, binaural beats, gratitude journaling.
Energy Leak List – Note the things that drain your energy. Examples: mindlessly scrolling Instagram, fear-based news, binge-watching certain shows, too much UberEats, weed.
Journal Prompt:
Overwhelm is a natural part of the creative journey, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. Reflect on your own experience of overwhelm with these questions:
1. What does your personal “storm” look and feel like?
Describe the last time you felt completely overwhelmed. How did it affect your body, mind, and creativity?
2. Which part of your routine helps you the most when you’re in the storm?
Think about your daily habits—whether it’s meditation, movement, or something else. Which one consistently helps you weather the storm?
3. What simple action can you take right now to create a shift?
Whether it’s tidying your space or going for a walk, choose one thing you can do today to help shift your energy and regain momentum.
4. How can you reframe overwhelm as part of the creative process?
Reflect on how moments of stress and uncertainty may be necessary for growth. What has overwhelm taught you about your creative path?
As artists, we will often experience stress and uncertainty.
But overwhelm is not a sign of failure, it’s a companion on the creative journey. It reminds us that we’re stretching beyond our comfort zones. And by acknowledging the storms, sharing our struggles, and using tools that support us, we can navigate these periods with more grace and intention.
It’s not about avoiding overwhelm; it’s about embracing it.
Remember, you aren’t in this process alone. There is power in community, in sharing, and in trusting that you have everything you need within you to create something beautiful, even in the midst of chaos.
If you discovered something about yourself in today’s MediClass or journal prompt that you want to express, share it with just me in Signal or via email. You can also share it with the community in the comments below.
Take what resonates from today’s class, and know I’m here, cheering you on as you continue to explore your own unique path.
Big love,
D
