We've all been there: One moment, we're coasting through life—then BAM! Something happens and suddenly we feel stretched thin; like we're walking on a tightrope that's fraying a little bit more with each step.

When this happens, what can we do?

1) What's Important?

When you're overwhelmed, most of the time you're giving too much effort to the things that aren't important. You're probably stretching yourself way too thin. Take a few minutes to make a list of what you have to do, and what you find yourself spending time on each day.

Take a look at that list and figure out: What is actually important to you? What are your goals, and how do these activities/errands satisfy those goals? What can you cut out with little (or no) negative consequence?

2) Breathe

Stop. Pause. Take a walk, and spend some time breathing. This helps you to get back in tune with your body, and shift your perspective in a mindful and positive way. Any kind of meditation is great, but if that's not your jam— just make a little bit of time to get outside and do some controlled breathing.

3) Treat Your Body Right

I've said this time and time again: Your body is one of the few constants that you will have in your life. Make taking care of it a priority, if you haven't already. If your excuse for not doing this is that you "just love pizza too much", think of a better one. You can still eat pizza and take care of yourself.

If you aren't making good choices for your health— Why aren't you? Drinking the right amount of water, and fueling your body with foods that don't cause mental fatigue— doing these super simple things will prepare you to handle nearly anything life throws your way.

4) Take Breaks

You aren't the energizer bunny. Move at a sustainable pace. If you don't, you're going to crash quite a bit— especially if you already aren't treating your body right.

Schedule time to workout, meditate, or do something that you enjoy (preferably active) a few times per week. Allow yourself to shut everything else off, and to immerse yourself in whatever it is you're doing.

Give yourself a break.

5) Get A Little Adventurous

Try something new every once in awhile. Do something that challenges you and scares you. Give yourself permission to be spontaneous, and to take calculated risks.

All in all— Don't take life so seriously. Figure out what you enjoy doing, what is actually important to you, and give yourself permission to take a step back when you need to. You can do everything you set your mind to, but it's important to learn how to cope when you inevitably stretch yourself a bit thin.