We all say it sometimes… “I’m just stressed.”
Or “It’s just a busy week.”
Or “I just need to push through a little longer.”
But lately, it feels like stress isn’t something you shake off anymore. It lingers… it drains you and no matter how much you rest, your mind still feels heavy.
That’s not just stress.
That’s your brain asking for a break.
At ABE Clinics Foundation, we often meet people who have been running on empty for so long that exhaustion has started to feel normal.
They tell us they’re fine, “just tired”, but really they’ve been surviving instead of living. It’s not weakness. This is your mind trying to protect you, it is quietly asking for help.
When Stress Turns Into Overload
Yes, stress is part of life… but when it starts to change how you think, feel or even react, it may be more than that.
Here are a few signs your mind might need a real break:
- You forget things that used to come easily
- Small tasks feel like big mountains
- You feel “foggy” or spaced out
- You can’t focus for long
- Even after resting, you still feel tired
These are not signs that something is wrong with you. They are signs your brain is overwhelmed and needs space to recover.
“When someone reaches cognitive overload, it’s not just burnout. It’s when the brain starts to shut down to protect itself. You stop reacting because you’ve reached your limit.”
— Dr. Loretta Burns, Founder and Clinical Director, ABE Clinics Foundation
The good news is… your brain can heal! You just have to listen before it starts shouting.
Simple Ways to Ground Yourself
When your thoughts start to spiral, your body feels tense or everything just feels too loud or too much, try one of these grounding tools our clinicians often use with clients:
1. The 5-4-3-2-1 Check-In
Pause. Look around.
Notice five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.
It helps pull you back to the present moment.
2. The Breathing Reset
Breathe in for four counts. Hold for four. Exhale for six.
Keep going for one minute. You’ll feel your heartbeat slow and your thoughts clear.
3. Ask Yourself One Question
What do I need right now? A break? Water? Quiet? Help?
Start there. Small steps count.
The Reminder You Might Need
Your brain isn’t supposed to carry everything at once, it is not built to run endlessly without pause. If the stress feels constant and overwhelming, that’s your mind saying it’s time to slow down. It’s time to listen, not push harder.
At ABE Clinics Foundation, we help individuals and families recognize the signs of overload and build tools for balance, emotional regulation, and long-term wellbeing.
If you or your loved one needs support, explore our Counselling and Cognitive Support Services today.
👉 abeclinics.com/our-services