Finding Structure in the Midst of Chaos: How to Learn to Thrive
Do you feel like life has become unpredictable and chaotic? If you do, you’re certainly not alone.
Living through the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty we have all experienced has meant a loss of structure for nearly everyone. The daily routines and responsibilities that provided the scaffolding for our activities are largely gone and definitely different. Offices are closed, schools were closed, and countless other events and venues have been effected. Many of us can’t even meet friends for dinner, take the kids on a playdate, or enjoy a night out with our significant other.
Things in Texas have been chaotic, to say the least. Like mine, your city or state may have started to return to normal, only to have it all shut down again. This is frustrating for everyone, it can feel like we are living in a state of limbo.
When, if ever, will life return to “normal”? How can you find structure and thrive in spit of the chaos?
Return to Yourself
Even though the world around you has changed drastically, you can find strength in your identity and uniqueness.
You have the power to decide how you will manage and navigate these chaotic times.
Taking time for self-reflection can make a big difference. Review the highs and lows of the last year. Set small goals for the months ahead. Look at photos from years past and draw upon happy memories. Identify what give your life meaning and pursue more of that.
Establish Personal Routines
You can build structure in your your own life. Humans need predictability and routine; it helps us focus and be productive.
Small routines can carry a lot of meaning. They also provide a signal that it’s time for something to start. Getting dressed and having coffee or tea tells us that it’s time to start our day. Creating a task list for the week gives us something to focus on. Writing in a gratitude journal before bed helps us wrap up our day. I enjoy using the Panda Planner, but there are a ton of options out there, it is best to find what works for you.
Mental Fortitude
Living during such a chaotic time also provides good motivation to become more adaptable. Change is hard for many people, but it can help us build new skills. It can drive us to become more flexibile and adaptable as we find new ways to live.
You can find inspiration through the many families and small businesses that have learned how to pivot during the pandemic. In what ways can you pivot in your own life?
Get Outdoors
There is something very grounding about nature; compounds in the soil are even shown to have anti-depressant qualities. Sit in the sunshine with no distractions and enjoy the warmth. Stop to look closely at the plants and insects around you. Take a walk at sunrise or sunset and be glad for the consistency of the sun, no matter all the craziness in the world.
Pursue Emotional Resiliency
When your emotions are wearing thin, like many of us during these trying times, here are a few steps you can take to experience some relief.
Meditation - Regular meditation has been proven to help lower stress at emotional, physical, and cognitive levels.
Exercise - Our bodies respond well to exercise. It increases circulation, bringing more oxygen to the brain and heart. It releases feel-good endorphins and it gives us something productive to focus on.
Counseling - If you’re feeling overwhelmed and unable to find your balance amidst the chaos, reaching out to a counselor is a good idea. Therapists know how to guide you through times of stress and unpredictability. They will do a thorough evaluation of your struggles and offer a big picture perspective of what you’re dealing with. You can create an action plan for handling depression or anxiety with their input.
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Ultimately, it’s important to not give up hope during these uncertain times, feeling anxious or depressed can make things feel that much worse. You can take steps to thrive and come out a better person on the other side. We would like to help you make it happen. Please, feel free to contact us for more information about our services.