From Chaos to Calm: How Gen Z Can Survive Overwhelming Days

Let’s be real. Life is hard sometimes, and it’s even harder when you’re trying to juggle everything at once. You know the drill: wake up late, rush to class, forget an assignment, and somewhere in the middle of all that, realize you’ve been running on three hours of sleep and caffeine. It’s enough to make anyone want to scream into a pillow—or maybe even throw one across the room. If you’ve ever had one of those days (or weeks), this one’s for you.

What’s Really Going On?

You might think, “Why am I like this?” But here’s the thing: you’re not alone. So many women, especially in college or early adulthood, feel overwhelmed by the expectations thrown at them. It’s like trying to play a video game on the hardest level, except no one gave you a tutorial.

Daily routines can feel more like a chaotic mess than a productive schedule. One second you’re trying to finish your essay, and the next, you’re spiraling because someone asked you to join another group project. Add in the pressure to be “perfect”—on Instagram, in school, in life—and it’s no wonder we sometimes just… snap.

Why Do Tantrums Happen?

First off, let’s cut ourselves some slack. Tantrums aren’t just for kids. They happen when we’re overwhelmed, overstimulated, or just plain tired of the world’s nonsense. It’s like your brain is throwing up a big red flag saying, “I CAN’T DO THIS RIGHT NOW.”

Here’s why they’re happening:

1. Too Many Expectations: From grades to group chats, it feels like everyone wants something from you.
2. Bottled-Up Emotions: When you keep saying “I’m fine” even though you’re not, those emotions have to come out somehow.
3. No Time for Yourself: If your schedule is all work and no chill, your brain will eventually rebel. Spoiler alert: this is where tantrums come in.

The Struggle to Be “Grown Up”

Adulting is messy. Let’s just say it. People expect you to have your life figured out, but how are you supposed to do that when half the time you can’t even figure out what to eat for dinner? It’s okay to admit that you’re still learning. Spoiler: everyone else is too, even if they don’t show it.

The problem is, we’ve been conditioned to think that being mature means having it all together. But newsflash: real growth is about learning from your mistakes, not avoiding them. So if you’re still figuring things out, congrats—you’re human.

How to Handle Tantrum Days Without Losing Your Cool

Okay, so what do you do when life feels like it’s falling apart? Here are some practical tips that actually help:

1. Let Yourself Feel It

Tantrums happen because your brain is overloaded. Instead of fighting it, take a moment to just feel what you’re feeling. Cry, rant, or write it all out in a journal. The point isn’t to stay stuck but to let those emotions out in a healthy way.

2. Trim Your To-Do List

You don’t have to do everything today. Prioritize what’s urgent and let the rest go. Pro tip: saying “no” to extra tasks isn’t selfish; it’s self-care.

3. Build in Breaks

When was the last time you did something just for fun? Watch your favorite show, go for a walk, or blast your go-to playlist. Breaks aren’t a waste of time; they’re how you recharge.

4. Talk It Out

Sometimes you just need someone to listen. Call a friend, talk to your mom, or even vent to your pet. Saying things out loud can make your problems feel less huge.

5. Practice Self-Compassion

Here’s a game-changer: treat yourself like you would a best friend. Would you call your BFF a failure for having a bad day? Nope. So why do it to yourself?

Turning Tantrums Into Growth

The next time you feel a tantrum bubbling up, remember this: it’s a sign that something in your life needs adjusting. Maybe it’s your schedule, your mindset, or just the way you’re approaching challenges. Growth doesn’t mean you’ll never have bad days; it means learning how to bounce back from them.

Start small. Celebrate the tiny wins, like finishing a task or even just getting out of bed on a rough morning. Over time, these small changes will add up. You’ll still have tough days, but they won’t feel as impossible to handle.

Dear Gen Z, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

Life is weird, messy, and sometimes downright unfair. But here’s the thing: you’re doing better than you think. Every tantrum, every mistake, and every small victory is part of your story. So embrace the chaos, laugh at the mess-ups, and keep moving forward. You’ve got this.

Remember, you’re not failing at life just because it feels hard. You’re growing, learning, and becoming the person you’re meant to be. And honestly? That’s pretty amazing.