Episode 36: When Overwhelm Turns Into Shutdown: Using Journaling to Gently Reboot

Today’s episode is for the woman who’s been doing all the things... until she just can’t. If you've ever gone from high-functioning to total freeze-mode, this one's for you.

Let’s talk about what happens when overwhelm turns into shutdown—how to recognize the signs early, and how journaling can gently help you reboot.

1. Name What’s True

Often the scariest part of shutdown is not knowing why we feel so off.

📓 Try this prompt:

“Right now, I feel ______ because ______.” Write without editing. Let the truth come up without judgment.

2. Lower the Bar

Instead of asking yourself to “fix it,” just ask:

“What feels hard right now?” Sometimes writing that down is more effective than pushing through it.

3. Create a Soft Re-Entry Plan

After naming what’s true, you can gently guide your mind toward comfort.

📓 Prompt:

“If I were taking care of myself like someone I love, what would I do next?” This might be: drink water, take a walk, text a friend, or simply rest.

4. Remember What Grounds You

📓 Prompt:

“What has helped me in the past when I’ve felt like this?” This brings your brain into memory-based problem solving—activating hope.

5. Listen to Your Nervous System, Not Shame

This is huge: Don’t try to bully yourself into momentum. Journal your way into compassion.

📓 Prompt:

“What might my body be trying to tell me through this shutdown?”

Music by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay