Maintaining Your Calm in a Chaotic Season
When you are in the middle of a chaotic season in your life, the last thing you want to hear is:
“Just stay positive.”
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
“Just keep swimming.”
“Keep being strong.”
People very rarely know what to say during a challenging period in your life.
It is not that they do not care about you, majority of the time they just don’t know how to communicate appropriately.
And, whether it is a cancer diagnosis, job loss, car accident, or a family feud, learning how to manage your own mindset during a low season in your life is so important.
So, instead of waiting to hear the perfect words from someone while you are experiencing stress, below are steps you can take to support and nurture yourself.
6 TIPS TO HELP YOU SEE THROUGH YOUR CHAOS:
1. Sleep. Sleep is the time when your body recovers from the stressors throughout the day. Brain neurons are reconnected, ATP is regenerated, and certain hormones are released to ensure your body is replenished for the next day. Without consistent sleep, your body will break down and be more susceptible to illness. A positive sleep hygiene routine will help ensure your body is prepared to manage the next day.
2. Eating Nutritious Food. You are what you eat! Instead of stopping at the local fast food chain, slow down while eating + fill up on high quality, vitamin filled, and nutritious food. Your body is counting on your to make optimal choices during this chaotic season, and your food choice will determine how you feel during the day (and night!).
3. Connect with your support system. Whatever you do, do not isolate. Your community, your close inner circle, and experts are here to support you. Life is meant to be in connection with others; when you isolate you cut out opportunities for friendships. Allow people to help you, just say yes to help.
4. Refocus your focus. I know this one might be easier said than done, but find something else to think about. Get curious about what else is going on in the world. Pick up a new hobby. Listen to a podcast. Take a new class at the gym. Be intentional about putting your mind to work on something else besides the stressors in your life.
5. Physical exercise. Studies show the more you move your body, the less likely you are to be: depressed, anxious, and sad. With movement, your blood flow will pick up throughout your essential & vital organs too! Keep the blood flowing to the organs that you are counting the most on right now -brain, heart, lungs, etc… Your body is counting on you!
6. Meditate or Pray. Shift your energy towards mindfulness, mediation, slow breaths, and praying instead of anxiety or being fearful. Release your fear or anxiety to your higher being. Release whatever is going on in your mind. Give your mind a break with prayer and meditation.
KEEP IN MIND: THIS SEASON IS NOT GOING TO LAST FOREVER. EVERYTHING EVENTUALLY SLOWS DOWN AND COMES TO AN END.
My hope for you is that you lean into stillness, quietness, and calmness during these unclear times.
In order to stay productive and effective, we need to foster moments of calm.
THE WORK WE DO ON OURSELVES AND ON OUR BODY IS INFINITE BUT OUR TIME IS FINITE.
If you need help during a crisis in your life, please reach out to your therapist, clinician, coach, or friend.
You are never alone.
XX
Ash
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