We’ve all been here before: You’re at work and just got off the phone after a nasty argument with your partner. When you turn back to your computer, you see that you have 20 new urgent e-mails and a meeting scheduled for your lunch break, during which you were going to quickly run around the corner to grab a bite because you forgot your own lunch at home, and…oh, my God, you just want to SCREAM!

Let the Relaxation In

Even writing all that out left me short of breath. But what I just described is something that’s all too typical in most of our lives–allowing things to get so heavy that you end up feeling suffocated and unable to breathe. It’s important to take time out of your day to allow yourself a few moments of mental clarity and relaxation. You’d be surprised just how much better you feel if you do and how much of an easier time you’ll have when it comes to dealing with everything on your plate.

Make Time. For You

This is probably the most difficult concept for people to grasp: you need to make time for yourself. Even if it’s just a few minutes of being alone, you can use those minutes to mentally and physically get back in the game. If star athletes are out of breath in the middle of a game, they’ll often go and rest on the bench for a few seconds to collect themselves until they’re ready to get back in the thick of things. Why should you treat yourself any differently?

If you’re overwhelmed at work, go out to your car and sit for five minutes or go for a quick walk around the block. You’ll physically remove yourself from the negative situations going on around you and give yourself a chance at processing them one by one, which likely seems manageable rather than insurmountable.

Notice Your Breathing

Make the conscious decision to take deep, controlled breaths. This will help you feel more in control and refresh your body with oxygen, giving it the energy it needs to tackle these problems. If you’re breathing in short, rapid breaths, your heart rate will pick up and you’ll continue to feel overwhelmed.

But you can’t adjust your breathing unless you make the conscious decision to do it. After all, most of us do not walk around breathing long, deep breaths. We naturally breathe quickly, particularly during stressful decisions. Make sure to keep that in mind.

Step Back

As much as this article is about breathing, it also has to do with allowing yourself the time needed to recover. Becoming overwhelmed by daily stresses is normal, but it’s not something that you should just try and bury. Remember to breathe!

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