How to Be Calm and Present When Life is Chaotic

How to Be Calm and Present When Life is Chaotic

Life comes with challenges. You can’t avoid them. Maybe you’re trying to focus on a work project, but your child is asking for your attention and won’t stop talking, or perhaps you’re at home trying to relax after a long day, but the phone won’t stop ringing with people asking for favors.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in our lives and let the world’s stresses take over. However, we can all benefit from learning how to stay calm and present when challenged. There are many ways to do this, and each person can use strategies that work best for them. So, let us explore ways to stay more present when you need to remain calm.

Ways to stay more present when challenged to stay calm:

1. Identify your triggers. What situations typically make you feel stressed or anxious? Once you know your triggers, you can look for patterns and avoid or manage them.

●     For Instance, work deadlines might make you feel stressed. When you know a work deadline is coming up, try to start your project early so you don’t feel as anxious. When you plan, you reduce your stress levels significantly.

●     For other people, stress might come from family gatherings. If family get-togethers are difficult for you, see if there’s something you can do to make them more enjoyable. Maybe you can plan an activity that everyone can do together, or take some time for yourself before and after the gathering.

●     If you’re someone who gets stressed out in traffic, try to leave a little earlier for your destination so you don’t have to rush. You can also try listening to calming music or an interesting podcast to help distract you during the commute.

1. Take a step back. If you’re in the middle of a stressful situation, take a step back and observe the problem from a distance. You can see the situation more clearly and make better decisions when you step back.

●     For example, if you’re in a meeting and someone is arguing with you, take a step back and analyze the situation. What is the person trying to say? What is the best way to respond? Can you identify areas where you can agree with them and diffuse the situation?

●     If you’re in a heated discussion with your partner, take a step back and observe the situation. What is the actual issue here? What can you do to resolve it? You can take mental notes of solutions and try to use these solutions when you find yourself in a conflict with your partner.

1. Talk it out. Sometimes, the best way to calm down is to talk to someone about it. Talking things out can help you see the situation in a different light and find new solutions.

●     If you’re feeling stressed about a project at work, talk to your boss or a colleague about it. They may have some helpful suggestions.

●     Talk to your partner or a friend about it if you're feeling overwhelmed with family responsibilities. They may help you out or give you some words of encouragement.

1. Make a plan. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, sit down and make a plan of action. Write what you need to do and take some time to figure out the best way to do it. As a result, you will feel more in control and less stressed.

●     If you’re feeling stressed about an upcoming deadline, make a plan of action. What do you need to do to meet the deadline? What can you delegate to others?

●     If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your household chores, make a schedule to plan your daily tasks. Creating a detailed program will reduce the overwhelm and stress.

1. Seek support. When we’re feeling stressed, it’s essential to seek supportive people. These people will listen to you without judgment and offer helpful advice.

●     If you’re feeling stressed about work, talk to a trusted friend or family member. They may offer some helpful perspectives.

●     If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your emotions, consider seeking professional help. A therapist can provide guidance and support as you work through your challenges.

1. Stay in the present moment. One of the best ways to stay calm is to focus on the present moment. Don’t dwell on past events or worry about future ones. Instead, focus on what’s happening right now and what you can do at this moment to make it better.

●     If you’re feeling stressed about an upcoming presentation, take a few deep breaths and focus on the present moment. What do you need to do right now to prepare for the speech?

●     If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, focus on one task at a time. What can you do right now to cross one thing off your list?

1. Don’t let your thoughts consume you. Understand that you are not your thoughts. Your thoughts are just a part of who you are; they don’t define you. When you’re feeling stressed, it’s important to remember that thoughts are just thoughts and they can’t control you.

●     Practice observing your thoughts without judgment, and let them come and go as they please. 

●     If you’re having a thought like, “I’m such a terrible parent,” observe the thought without judgment, then let it go. Think of your thoughts as a passing cloud. Acknowledge it and move on.

●     If you’re thinking, “I can’t do this,” note the thought without judgment and release it into the atmosphere. Remember that your thoughts don’t define you.

1. Practice self-compassion. One of the best ways to stay calm is to practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself and don’t beat yourself up if things don’t go perfectly. Accepting that you’re human and making mistakes is a part of life.

●     In stressful situations, you can tell yourself, “It’s okay; I’m handling this as best as I can.” If you make a mistake, tell yourself, “Everyone makes mistakes; I’m only human.” Remind yourself that you are doing the best you can and deserve compassion.

Challenges can arise when we least expect them and leave us feeling overwhelmed. In these moments, it’s important to remember some key steps that will help you stay present and manage the challenge at hand. Applying the techniques outlined above can help you stay calm, focused, and in control.

Remember that practice makes perfect, so start incorporating these practices into your daily routine today! Identifying your triggers is the most crucial step because once you discover the things that lead to anxious and negative thoughts, you can take steps to tackle the problem.