Overwhelm

Overwhelm is a feeling of being overloaded by tasks, emotions, or sensory input. It can make thinking and decision‑making harder.

Definition

Overwhelm is often a sign that demands exceed current capacity. It can show up as shutdown, irritability, or avoidance. Reducing inputs, simplifying steps, and adding recovery breaks can help. Support is about pacing and clarity, not pressure.

Why it matters here

Our routines reduce task load and offer quick resets for overwhelm.

In NeuroBreath you can use this term for…

Common misunderstandings

  • Overwhelm is just stress.
  • People should push through it.

Related terms

Citations & review

Educational only. External links are provided as copy‑only references.

Written by:NeuroBreath Editorial Team·Editorial team
Reviewed by:Evidence Review Desk·Evidence reviewer
Editorial roles: Author drafts content · Reviewer checks clarity and safety language · Evidence reviewer checks source quality · Accessibility reviewer checks readability. Meet the editorial team.

Last reviewed

17 Jan 2026

Next review due

16 Jul 2026

Updated

17 Jan 2026

Evidence & sources

0 sources · tiers C

Update history
  • 17 Jan 2026contentInitial glossary definition published.

Educational information only — not medical advice. Read the disclaimer.

Overwhelm — Glossary | NeuroBreath | NeuroBreath