How to Find Calm Amidst the Chaos
Today, we are sharing this blog space with Alexia Eller, LMSW. Alexia is a trauma therapist, an EMDR therapist, and a mental health advocate. Learn more about tips for managing anxiety and trauma symptoms in the midst of chaos.
As the great author, Bessel van der Kolk wrote in his book, The Body Keeps the Score, he kept in mind different aspects of those individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma that seem to feel stuck in our bodies and it’s keeping the score of all that we have endured.
A relatable quote from van der Kolk is “All too often, however, drugs such as Abilify, Zyprexa, and Seroquel, are prescribed instead of teaching people the skills to deal with such distressing physical reactions. Of course, medications only blunt sensations and do nothing to resolve them or transform them from toxic agents into allies.” This quote resonates with me because I know that some loved ones including myself have tried to just manage my anxiety or depression from a traumatic event with pills from a doctor, no one taught me how to cope positively or how to voice what I needed to overcome some of the angst inside my chest. Sure, medication can assist you in your journey of feeling more like you again, but it is to be taken hand-in-hand with the positive coping mechanisms that work best for you.
The chaos can be any uncertainties, insecurities, or fears we are struggling with presently. So how do we find calm in our chaos? To maintain some peace or hope, here are some simple ways you can explore inner peace.
5 Simple Ways to Find Calm Amidst the Chaos:
Take a Breather - If you feel some things are getting out of hand, then take a step back and take a breather. That could look like a break in the fresh air with a cup of hot coffee, a 10-minute walk outside with some Vitamin D, or try breathing exercises, like the square breathing technique. Here is specific resouerce to learn more about square breathing as a way to reset and cope with stress.
Visual the Situation - Remain calm and try to visualize the situation that is at hand, if you can envision the outcome you desire that is feasible spread out any ideas you have and review what you may be able to do to make it easier for you to attain.
Establish a Routine - Each day is only 24 hours, some of that time we are sleeping, working out, reading, working, juggling our family life, and trying to be an approachable friend. Grab a planner or journal and write down some of your top goals for the day along with some possible to-do’s if there is in between time. If you have time to prioritize what is most important in a timeline or flexible time frame, then it helps take out some anxiety of trying to carry the world on your shoulders for that day.
Take Me Time - As people, we feel like we have to be the best in so many different areas of life that we may stretch ourselves thin and not refill our cup to keep going. I always want others to value themselves by investing in their well-being by doing something they love, whether you crush a workout or get cozy on the couch with a book, take the time for yourself.
Seek Support - It’s not a sign of weakness to ask someone you have in your trusted circle to help or assist you. There is no shame in asking your partner to do some dishes while you take a hot shower and decompress or asking them to alternate picking up the kids from their activities so you can have some downtime. Advocate for yourself to those who love you and you will gain some peace in your chaos. (1)
If you want to dive deeper into this topic and learn how to bring some peace into your chaos, our team is ready to help. Whether online therapy, in person at our Arlington, TX base therapy office, or through group therapy, we have options to meet your needs. Connect with a member of our team today.
