Whether it’s the proverbial storm or a meteorological event, we can feel overwhelmed by the winds of change, the hail of emotions, the stormy seas of stressors, and the floods of intrusive thoughts. Staying calm while everything seems to be pelting us all at once and dealing with the uncertainty of what will happen next can be difficult.
Here are ten ways of how to be the calm eye of the hurricane, the peaceful core:
Navigating Uncharted Waters: When the storms of life rage around us, uncertainty can feel like a relentless undercurrent, threatening to pull us under. But just as a seasoned sailor learns to navigate turbulent waters, we too can develop the skills to weather life's uncertainties. This means accepting that we cannot control every outcome, but we can control our response. Ask yourself, “What can I do” or “What can I control” to feel better and make a navigation plan on how to navigate your fears rather than letting them navigate you.
Creating a Mental Umbrella: It can be difficult to repel the torrential rain of negativity whether it’s the sensationalizing news, panic-stricken people around you, or your own negative thoughts that threaten to drown you. Avoid those things or people that are dragging you under and surround yourself with experiences or people who act as a lighthouse in your stormy seas. When negative thoughts threaten to rain down on your parade, consciously open your positivity umbrella. Replace each gloomy thought with a sunnier one, focusing on gratitude, past successes, or the simple joys that surround you.
Finding Your Inner Flashlight: It can be overwhelming dealing with the stressors of life while trying to manage them. Reframing challenges as opportunities for growth can shift your perspective and empower you to find resilience even in difficult times. Instead of dwelling on the darkness of the moment, ask yourself, "How can I make this work for me?" Just like a flashlight cuts through darkness, let your inner strength illuminate even the cloudiest of days.
Batten Down the Hatches: Prepare vs. Worry. When you know stressors are on the horizon, take proactive steps instead of succumbing to worry. Chart your course by outlining specific actions you can take to address the situation. Consider how the stressor might be affecting you physically and emotionally and prepare coping mechanisms in advance. Anticipating challenges and equipping yourself with the tools to manage them will help you transform worry into preparedness and help you face the storm with greater confidence and resilience. Try writing down ten solutions to your problem even if some seem silly or unachievable so you can get your mind into more solution focused thinking.
Staying Grounded: It can be easy to get swept away by the turbulent waters of stress and negativity. Staying grounded is about finding our inner anchor, cultivating resilience, and embracing the opportunity for growth that often lies hidden within the storm. Consider and connect with the things that have already worked for you in the past to manage stress. Perhaps grounding includes exercise, escapism through video games or a good movie, cuddling with your cat or dog, or watching funny YouTube videos. Maybe it's curling up with a good book, catching up on your favorite tv series, or simply taking a moment for quiet reflection.
Rain Rain Won’t Just Go Away: It can be tempting to ignore our problems and hope the stressors will pass without damage. The problem with avoidance is you may not give the storm the credit it deserves which may leave you open to being hurt. Embracing your emotions during stressful times will better equip you in figuring out how to navigate challenges so there’s less aftermath and damage. Acknowledging your feelings and the situation at hand whether through journaling, reflection, or processing with someone you feel safe with will allow you to handle the issue rather than the issue handling you.
Be The Eye of The Storm: If Dory was a human she might have sung a different tune, Just Keep Breathing, Just Keep Breathing. In the eye of life's storms, find solace in the simple act of breathing. Mindfulness anchors you to the present, deep breaths calm the turbulent waves within, and visualization can help you swim away from the negativity sharks that threaten to devour you. These tools when used together can create a sanctuary of peace amidst the chaos, reminding you that even in the fiercest storms, you have the power to find stillness within. Breathe in the calm, Breathe out the tension.
After The Storm Comes the Light: Just like storms that battle our shores and eventually end, the storms of life too shall pass. Remind yourself that what is happening in your life is temporary and just like there are rainy days there are also sunny days ahead. Focus on the good in your life and what is going well, or what has gone well and could go right again. Start a daily gratitude journal so you don’t miss the little rays of light that shine on every day.
Dealing with Destruction: When you feel like you are drowning in stress or being knocked down by the raging winds of your ruminative thoughts, it's crucial to lean on your support system, whether it's friends, family, or a therapist. Remember, you don't have to weather the storm alone. If you are struggling with flashbacks, survival guilt, or feeling triggered by the past then it may be time to let a therapist be a part of your rescue team.
Remember that even though there are days that feel like a hurricane, with winds of worry and waves of doubt crashing all around, there are also sunny days, filled with warmth, laughter, and a gentle breeze of contentment. The storms may sometimes be fierce, but they are temporary. Hold onto hope and keep moving forward as there are brighter blue skies ahead.
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