Surviving the Shitstorm: Practical Ways to Cope with Chaos
Managing Life When It Feels Overwhelming
Sometimes, it feels like everything around us is falling apart. The news often brings bad reports, social media is chaotic, and everyday tasks can be overwhelming. In these moments, it's easy to feel frustrated, sad, or worn out.
But you don’t need to bear the world's burdens alone. While you might not fix everything, you can take care of yourself, set boundaries, and find peace in the chaos.
Acknowledge Your Emotions
Whatever you're feeling—frustration, sadness, anger, anxiety, numbness, or exhaustion—is normal. Ignoring or dismissing these emotions doesn’t help. Allow yourself to feel without judgment. Writing in a journal, confiding in a friend, or simply saying, “This is tough, and I’m struggling,” can help you process your feelings.
Breathe, Stay Grounded, and Focus on the Present
When everything feels overwhelming, staying in the present can help.
Try:
1. Deep breathing – Inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four.
2. Grounding exercises – Notice five things you see, four you touch, three you hear, two you smell, and one you taste.
3. Short meditations – Five minutes of focusing on your breath can bring calm.
Prioritize and Simplify
You don’t have to do everything at once. When feeling overwhelmed, consider:
- What tasks are essential today?
- What can wait for tomorrow?
- What can I ask others to help with?
- What can I let go of entirely?
Simplifying your tasks and focusing on the essentials can make life more manageable.
Seek Support and Connection
You’re not meant to face tough times alone. Reach out to a friend, join a community group, or talk to a therapist. Sharing your struggles with someone who listens can be healing. If you don’t feel like talking, small interactions—like a chat with a barista or a quick message to a loved one—can remind you that you’re not alone.
Limit Information Overload
While staying informed is important, constant exposure to bad news isn’t. If you feel overwhelmed by negativity, try:
- Checking news only once a day.
- Muting accounts that increase anxiety.
- Taking regular breaks from social media.
It's okay to step away. The world will still be there when you return, and you'll be better prepared to engage with it.
Engage in Self-Care
Self-care is essential, not selfish. Whether it’s reading a book, listening to music, exercising, pursuing hobbies, or napping, make time for activities that recharge you. Joy and relaxation are necessities, especially in challenging times.
Challenge Negative Thinking
When things seem bleak, it’s easy to fall into negative thinking. Pay attention to your thoughts:
- Are you assuming the worst?
- Are you blaming yourself for things beyond your control?
- Are you ignoring the good around you?
Challenge these thoughts gently. Acknowledge reality but also allow space for hope, humor, and small victories.
Focus on What You Can Control
Your impact may feel small in a big world, but your actions matter.
Instead of fixating on what's beyond your control, ask:
- How can I care for myself today?
- What small steps can I take to improve my situation?
- How can I contribute positively to my community?
Small acts—helping a neighbor, donating, or showing kindness—can create positive change.
Final Words
When life feels overwhelming, remember: You can rest. You can take breaks. You can find joy, even in tough times.
The world may be messy, but you are here.
That means there’s hope, beauty, and reasons to keep moving forward.
🖤 Take care of yourself (and don’t take any bullshit).
XOXO - Brée
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