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Feeling Overwhelmed? First Steps to Regain Control During Your Course

Overwhelmed Happens - But It Doesn’t Have to Derail You

At some point in your course, you may feel like everything is too much.

You might fall behind on study. Work or family stress might peak. An assessment task might feel impossible. Or you might just hit a wall where your brain says, “I can’t do this.”

If this sounds familiar – you’re not failing. You’re human. This article is here to help you recognise what’s going on, take practical steps, and find your way forward before things spiral.

First: Let Go of the Guilt

Overwhelm is not a sign that you’re lazy, weak, or not “cut out” for study. It usually means one of three things is happening:
  • You’ve got too much on your plate
  • You don’t know where to start
  • You’re putting unrealistic pressure on yourself
Whatever the cause, blaming yourself won’t fix it – but a few simple actions can make a big difference.

Step 1: Stop and Take Stock

When you’re overwhelmed, your brain jumps between tasks without finishing any of them. Start by slowing down.

Ask yourself:
  • What is actually due soon?
  • What’s been missed or delayed?
  • What’s worrying me the most right now?
Write it down – even if it’s messy. Getting it out of your head helps you see the situation more clearly.
number 2

Step 2: Focus on One Thing

You can’t fix everything at once. But you can take one step.

Pick the task with the closest deadline – or the one that feels most manageable. Set a timer for 20 minutes and just work on that. When the timer ends, take a break or keep going if you’re in the zone.

Small actions build momentum.

Step 3: Contact Your Trainer or Support Team

You don’t need to wait until things are “really bad” to ask for help.

Reach out and say something like:

“I’ve fallen behind and I’m feeling overwhelmed. I’d like to get back on track. Can we talk through the next steps?”

We may be able to:
  • Clarify what’s most urgent
  • Offer extensions or rescheduling
  • Suggest ways to break down the work
  • Reassure you that you’re not the only one
But we can only do this if we know you need help.

Step 4: Adjust the Pressure You’re Putting on Yourself

You don’t have to get every question right. You don’t have to be the fastest or the best. You just need to finish – and learn something along the way.

Perfectionism causes paralysis. Instead, aim for:
  • Done, not perfect
  • Progress, not pressure
  • Effort, not comparison
Remind yourself why you started – and what getting through this course will unlock for your future.

Step 5: Build Recovery Into Your Routine

If overwhelm keeps coming back, it’s a sign you need more rest, not more willpower.
  • Schedule short breaks before you’re exhausted
  • Step outside, breathe deeply, stretch - even for five minutes
  • Disconnect from screens between study sessions
  • Get a decent sleep when you can - it affects everything else
Sustainable study isn’t about pushing through at all costs – it’s about pacing yourself so you can finish.

You Don’t Have to Do It All - Just Keep Going

Everyone hits a wall sometimes. What matters is how you respond to it.

At Asset College, we’re here to support your success – but you’re in charge of your next step. If you feel overwhelmed, the best thing you can do is pause, refocus, and ask for help. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can regain control when you stop struggling in silence. You don’t have to do it all. You just have to keep going.

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Wellbeing and Success in Training: How to Get the Most Out of Your Course

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