HOW TO COPE WHEN NOTHING IS GOING YOUOR WAY
We've all been there – a week that feels like an episode of a particularly chaotic sitcom, complete with angry patients, resistant colleagues, and a to-do list that seems to multiply on its own. Sometimes weeks turn into months and the months turn into years. One of life’s dirty little secrets is that some times a rough time can last for a long time. When life starts to resemble a house of cards on the verge of collapse, it's time to take a step back and reassess the situation. Here's a guide to cope with the whirlwind when everything seems to be going wrong. Might I add, sometimes everything is actually going wrong and I am here to validate you! I see you! For many people - including singles, the pandemic turned our lives upside down and some of us are still recovering. Data shows two years before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold of the nation, a record high 65% of U.S. adults said they were "very satisfied" with their own lives. Two years later, the pandemic-weary public's high personal satisfaction rating fell to 51%. Another 34% are currently somewhat satisfied. Due to factors like culture wars, impending wars, the environment, the economy, job market and various levels of personal uncertainty the satisfaction levels are holding steady with increased levels of dissatisfaction.
Before diving into the whirlpool of challenges, it's essential to recognize the true culprit – a dip in your life-condition. The single girls know this all too well, it’s like trying to flip your mattress when you don’t have enough hands or strength, tackling multiple problems requires a lot of strength and determination. Instead of searching for an escape from the problems, focus on elevating your life-condition to access your wisdom and courage to help you overcome your stress inducing challenges.
In moments of overwhelming despair, even if it feels like the whole world is falling apart give yourself grace and grant yourself permission to pause. Release the pressure and guilt; taking a break doesn't equate to failure. In fact, I find taking a break can be clarifying. Treat yourself with the kindness and patience that you'd extend to a friend who’s spiraling. A hot bubble bath with lavender and epsom salts or a long Netflix binge can be powerful remedies for an overloaded mind. Silence the inner critic and adopt the role of your biggest cheerleader. Treat yourself with the love and positivity you'd offer a friend. Break the cycle of negative thoughts by channeling the encouragement you'd give to someone dear to you.
Acknowledge the limits of control. Life is filled with variables beyond your influence. Focus on managing your thoughts and actions instead. Redirect energy towards positive impacts, even in small gestures like a smile or a kind gesture. Embrace your spectrum of emotions as part of the human experience. So often we are told to “stop crying” or “don’t be sad.” None of that is helpful its vital to feel your feelings. Sadness, anger, and frustration are valid emotions. Allow yourself to feel without judgment. Single women are steadfast, typically organized, prepared and in control of all of the things. When we are unable to mange our lives it’s often difficult to allow ourselves the vulnerability to fully experience our emotions. Take the time to acknowledge the feelings and recognize the difference between transient emotions and prolonged despair.
Life will throw curveballs, but your ability to navigate them with resilience and positivity can make all the difference. Remember, you're not alone in facing challenges, and there's strength in seeking support. So, whether it's summoning the stand-alone spirit or indulging in a guilt-free Netflix session, find what works for you and weather the storm with grace and humor. After all, this too shall pass.
When life spins out of control, consider these practical steps to regain balance:
Pause and Take a Break: Prioritize self-care to manage stress and enhance overall well-being.
Change Your Perspective: Adopt an "it is what it is" mindset to release the need for control and find greater satisfaction.
Take Control of What You Can Change: Identify areas within your control and work on making positive changes.
Be Confident in Your Decisions: Embrace imperfection, learn from mistakes, and appreciate personal growth.
Talk it Out: Share your feelings with a trusted friend or seek professional guidance to gain perspective.
Pick Up a Hobby: Engage in activities that provide an escape from life's challenges, serving as a reminder of personal agency.
Think Positively: Focus on the positive aspects of your life and believe that things will get better.
If the abstract idea of transforming your perspective seems daunting, try these clever tricks to alleviate the weight on your plate:
Visualize Success: Envision yourself conquering challenges, activating a belief in your ability to succeed even when the path is unclear.
Avoid Hasty Decisions: Low life-condition skews your thoughts. Postpone significant decisions until your mental state improves.
Daydream Future Success: Transport yourself to the joy of achieving goals, letting the anticipation lift your spirits.
Focus on One Problem: Break down challenges. Tackle what's easiest or most urgent, reducing the overwhelming number of problems.
Wait it Out: "This too shall pass." Adopt a waiting mode, recognizing that circumstances can change for the better.
Tap into Creativity: Listen to music, meditate, or chant. Creative distractions often lead to subconscious solutions.
Find Distractions: Take breaks from obsessing over problems. Engage in controlled denial to recharge without letting anxiety take over.
Confront Anxiety: Face your fears head-on. Imagine the worst-case scenario in concrete terms, often making it less intimidating than abstract fears.
Ask for Help: You don't have to carry the load alone. Swallow your pride and seek support when needed.
Accept Unpleasant Realities: Embrace the pain. Anticipatory dread diminishes when you allow yourself to feel and process emotions.
Growth Opportunities: Recognize challenges as opportunities for personal growth. Cliché, but often true.
This Too Shall Pass: Remind yourself that the current struggles will fade into distant memories.