Stretched Too Thin: What to Do When Life Pulls You in Every Direction

Sis, let me ask you — do you ever feel like life has you stretched out like a piece of old elastic on your favorite bra? You know the one that used to fit just right, hold everything together, and now it’s just hanging on for dear life? That’s how I’ve been feeling some days — stretched too thin.

It’s like everybody and everything needs something at the exact same time. The emails, the text messages, the laundry, the groceries, the kids, the spouse, the ministry, the job, the health changes (because menopause said hello and brought her friends fatigue and brain fog). And you’re just sitting there, wondering how you became everybody’s 911 operator.

The Stretch is Real

There are days I literally feel like a human rubber band. Pulled this way and that way until I start to wonder — what happens if I snap? Who’s going to pick up the pieces then?

And let’s be honest, women are professionals at being stretched. We’ll say yes when we should’ve said no. We’ll volunteer to bring the dish to the potluck even though we barely have time to shower. We’ll answer the late-night phone call when we really should’ve been asleep an hour ago.

It’s like we think if we don’t hold the whole world together, it’s all going to crumble. And yet, while we’re holding everything else, we’re falling apart inside.

The Humor in Being Overloaded

Now let’s talk about the funny side, because you know there’s always one.

Picture this: I’m running around trying to juggle life, and I finally sit down to rest. Within two minutes, someone needs something. My husband needs me to check a form, my phone is buzzing with group chat drama, and the dog is looking at me like he just remembered he’s hungry.

Meanwhile, I’m sitting there with my hot flash fan in one hand and my iced tea in the other, whispering, “Lord, this is why women go on spa retreats.”

And don’t get me started on the multitasking. One time I caught myself folding laundry, answering an email on my phone, and stirring a pot of spaghetti all at the same time. And it was only then I realized — this is not talent, this is survival.

The Cold Truth of the Stretch

Here’s the cold truth: being stretched too thin is not sustainable. Rubber bands that stretch too far eventually snap. And so do we.

When we don’t take care of ourselves, when we ignore our own needs, when we keep saying yes because we’re scared to disappoint people — we set ourselves up for exhaustion, resentment, and even burnout.

And sis, God didn’t create you to live burned out.

What to Do in the Stretching

Okay, so we’ve established that the stretch is real. But what do we do about it? Here are some things I’ve been learning:

1. Pause and Breathe
   I know it sounds simple, but when you feel pulled in every direction, stop. Take a deep breath. Even if it’s just thirty seconds, breathing calms the nervous system and resets your brain.
2. Say No Without Guilt
   Somebody needs to hear this: No is a complete sentence. You don’t have to explain yourself, justify yourself, or apologize for protecting your peace.
3. Prioritize Like Your Life Depends On It
   Because it does. Ask yourself — what truly matters today? What can wait? Everything urgent isn’t important.
4. Ask for Help
   Let me say this again louder for the ladies in the back — asking for help is not weakness. It’s wisdom. You’re not meant to carry it all.
5. Find Your Mini Retreats
   Retreat doesn’t always mean a trip to the mountains. Sometimes it’s locking the bathroom door for ten minutes. Sometimes it’s taking a walk around the block. Sometimes it’s writing your thoughts down with a cup of tea. Little escapes matter.
6. Lean on God, Not Just Grit
   We think grit will get us through, but grit runs out. Grace doesn’t. Pray. Pour your heart out. Remember His strength is made perfect in weakness.

The Stretch Can Also Grow You

Here’s a twist. Being stretched isn’t always bad. Sometimes it’s where the growth happens. Sometimes God allows the stretch because He’s enlarging our capacity.

Think about it — if life never stretched you, would you have discovered how strong you really are? Would you have found your voice in saying no? Would you have realized you could reinvent yourself in midlife?

So yes, the stretch is uncomfortable. But it’s also where character, faith, and resilience are built.

My Encouragement to You

Sis, if you’re stretched too thin right now, I see you. I feel you. And I want you to know it won’t always be this way. You are allowed to step back, to rest, to take care of yourself.

You are not selfish for protecting your peace. You are not lazy for saying no. You are not weak for admitting you need help.

And when the stretch feels like too much, remind yourself: you’re not doing this alone. God’s got you. He always has.

Hot Flashes & Cold Truths with Antoinette McCormick
Because even when life stretches you thin, you’re stronger — and more flexible — than you think.

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