What to Do When Sh** Hits the Fan

“Control what you can. Accept what you can’t”

When the world comes crashing down around you and you think it can’t get any worse...then it does (thank you universe) here is a list I’ve compiled of ways to cope and support yourself in getting through it as gracefully as possible. 

Your gut reaction will be to stress out. Have compassion for this response. 

This is normal. So normal, in fact. We’re biologically programmed this way. It’s what the sympathetic nervous system does best as it’s trying to protect you from (what it feels) is imminent danger.

Have compassion and even gratitude for your stress. It shows you what’s important. What you deeply care about. It reaffirms that your body and brain are working the way they are designed to. 

Let yourself acknowledge the stress in all its discomfort and when you feel it taking over in negative ways here’s what we can do; we pause. Just for a tiny millisecond. Interrupt the freak out before it has the chance to spread and stay for undesired amounts of time. Pause for 1 second. One inhale. One full breath. Pause in any way you can.

Really consider this question: does stressing change my current reality? 

Answer this honestly. Does stressing improve the situation? If the answer is no, then choose a different way of responding. Choose to be proactive. Brainstorm solutions instead of getting caught up & dragged down by the problem. Focus on the next, right step in front of you. Not what lays miles ahead. 

Keep your circle small 

When things get chaotic, you can end up expending a lot of energy explaining your situation to others. It’s for this reason that it can be helpful to keep your immediate circle small. This does not mean limiting your support system - it means protecting your boundaries in a time where boundaries crossed could mean more stress.

Not everyone needs to know. Not everyone is in the place to support. For that reason, keep your immediate circle small. Share only what you wish. Save your energy in the places you can. And let the genuine ones step in to help. You’re not meant to do it alone. 

Laugh

Truly. I think it’s the only way to get through just about anything. I’ve been lucky enough to go through my heaviest stuff alongside my sister - who also happens to be the person who makes me laugh most. While avoidance is never the answer let laughter bring you moments of peace, let it bring moments where you forget your hurt. 

Rest where you can

Without this you can quickly become physically depleted, emotionally worn down and the inflammation in your body increases which can make you more susceptible to becoming sick. Add getting sick to the list of things crumbling around you? Not ideal. Not even a little bit. 

If sleep is difficult for you to find due to stress, try meditating or watch your favourite feel good tv show instead to let your body recuperate in the best way it can.

Cold Water

I know it sounds crazy but I swear this has made me tougher, and able to handle myself more calmly in less than ideal circumstances. There is something about cold water exposure that is equally challenging and peaceful. You become so dialled in on your breath that you realize getting through uncomfortable things depends entirely on your mindset. 

Use your breath to steady you 

When you start to feel overwhelmed, take it one breath at a time. Pair it with daily activities or set phone reminders on the more challenging days. 

Take a deep breath at the start of every hour. Every time you enter a room. Every time you pick up your phone. Every time you get into your car. Pick something that is realistic to you & your schedule and begin implementing it. 

Let yourself off the hook

Your to-do lists are long. You want to fit it all in - the work tasks, the exercise, the responsibilities, etc. etc. 

While these are so, so important in maintaining stability, in times where everything is going to sh** - let yourself off the hook. Listen to your body. Strive for restoration, as opposed to pushing. There will be moments where you need to push. That’s life. But soften in the areas that you can. 

Speak to yourself like you would a friend. Have understanding for your situation, compassion for your responses and faith that this is the journey you are on today. It’s not the final destination. 

For the times when you can’t possibly fit it all in, for the times when you’re just trying to stay afloat, ask yourself this...

What is the ONE (most important) thing I need to get done today? 

What are my non-negotiables? The things I crave for my well-being that I will make time for regardless of my current circumstances? 

What is one thing (within my control) that would make my life easier today? 

What can I take away? Where can I simplify? 

One more thing, whatever is going on for you...it’s probably a lot. It’s probably heavy. And you are doing the absolute best you can. 

I see you. I’m with you. This part is hard. And the way you’re feeling makes sense. 

Need a meditation to keep you sane?

Browse my meditation library or check out Space (my modern meditation membership) to find a practice that is best suited for you xox