While it might seem like a dramatic use of the word, I truly believe we have all felt, at one time or another, that our world has fallen into complete chaos and we are not sure where to begin to fix it.
In times of “chaos,” it is very important that we shift our mindset and focus on the things we can control. It can be quite easy to fall into the rabbit hole and this can be a trigger for your mental health.
Here are some examples of the things we can control in times of distress.
Filling your bucket– be kind to yourself; use words of love and affirmation when talking about yourself and your surroundings. It can be easy to get caught up in the negativity and despair. Be purposeful with your words and remember to fill your bucket with love.
Nourish your body– Think of food as the fuel that keeps your engine going. If your fuel tank is empty you won’t be able to be your bad-ass self! Make sure that you are eating balanced meals, drinking plenty of water, and don’t deprive yourself of the things that make you happy.
Establish healthy routines– you might be thinking “yes I know I need to exercise, eat my fruits and veggies, and blah blah blah” yes exercise and a balanced diet are part of a healthy routine, but they are not the only components. Meditation, journaling, sleep hygiene, affirmations, self-love, etc. are all important components to a healthy routine. Challenge yourself to try something new every week and incorporate it into your routine.
Censuring information– there is no shortage of information nowadays. The news is just a click away! And in some cases, you don’t even need to click, your device notifies you of all the breaking news in the world. While I truly believe knowledge is power and we should all be informed about what is going on around us; there is such a thing as information overload. Take a break from the news, turn off your notifications, take a step back from social media, and take a deep breath.
Healing– Healing is a personal journey; there is not one good/bad way of healing. It is all about honoring your pain/struggle, processing those feelings, and letting them go. Harboring pain is poisonous not only to your mental health but also to your physical health.
Rely on your support system– You are not alone in this journey. If you are struggling reach out to your support systems; whether that might be friends, family, significant others, peers, etc. Having a tribe of people supporting you and providing you with the emotional fortification you need is not only important to your mental health it is also part of healing.
I hope some of these tips can bring some peace to your most chaotic times.
Alejandra is a Registered Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor. She graduated from Brandman University with a Masters in Psychology; she also holds a Bachelor's in Psychology and Criminal Justice from California State University, San Bernardino. Currently, she works for a non-profit organization that provides mental health services to schools in southern California.
In addition, she also works for a private practice where she specializes in working with children, youth, and families suffering from a variety of issues such as academic performance, learning disabilities, depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and grief.
