What are ways we can get through chaotic times, and what are some coping methods?
At one point or another in our lives we all will go through a chaotic time. Whether that will be due to the demands of school, family issues or a loss of a family member, there will be seasons in our life that are very challenging or bleak. We can find ourselves overwhelmed or depressed due to life bombarding us with one obstacle after another. It can feel like we just cannot catch a break at times.
When the demands of life make everything seem daunting, it may be challenging to pause and remain grounded without your thoughts racing. Despite the chaotic times that arise, what matters is how we handle the obstacles that life throws at us.
Even through chaotic times, there are coping methods to manage stress, anxiety and depression. When I’m going through challenging seasons, a way to pause and clear the mental clutter is by going for walks. I have noticed, especially, going for a walk on a sunny day allows me time to take in nature and decompress.
On her health and wellness blog, Alicia Gilbert says, “Taking walks in nature is scientifically proven to reduce anxiety and depression and improve overall mental health and physical wellbeing.”
Another method that I use when I’m struggling with stress is to pray and meditate on the word of God. Spending time with God in prayer and reminding myself of his eternal promises brings me a sense of calm. It reminds me that I’m not alone in the chaotic season and that God will carry me through. By meditating on the word I’m reminded that God will eventually calm the waves of life. Having God to lean on during turbulent times gives me hope in the big picture.
I spoke with a few students about how they personally get through challenging times.
Jessica Yau, a sophomore stem major, advised that if you’re overwhelmed with work to remember it’ll be worth it at the end of it all.
The students I spoke with have positive tips to get through challenging times.
What they said seems optimistic in the midst of chaotic seasons when it’s a struggle to pause. David Vargas, a sophomore business major, advised people “to take it one day at a time and be consistent with everything.”
I have found that having someone to talk to is helpful when you’re going through a storm. That can be a relative, friend or mentor, as long as you trust them; having another person for emotional support makes the season less daunting. During that time when you’re talking it out you may feel less alone. Everyone should have someone to talk to instead of bottling it in.
Another method to stay grounded during the chaos is to do breathing techniques. I, personally, have done breathing exercises to pause and remain present in the current time.
WikiHow says, “The best on-the-spot solution for combating stress and tension is deep breathing. This technique stimulates the body’s natural relaxation response, slowing down the breaths to allow more oxygen in which minimizes anxious feelings.”
My last method of advice on how to get through chaotic seasons is therapy. It may not be for everyone, but it can assist people. Going to therapy sessions may seem intimidating to some people, but it can offer a professional perspective to your scenario. While it may not be accessible for everyone due to the cost of each session, it is a method that may be helpful for professional emotional support.
There are a variety of forms of therapy; it’s not just limited to one kind. Therapy in general has been shown to assist people through bleak times in their life.
According to the therapy blog, reflect,“About 50% are likely to have achieved worthwhile benefit after eight therapy sessions and approximately 75% after fourteen.”
Overall, there are plenty of options for getting through chaotic seasons. Whichever method is utilized, one thing is for sure: chaotic seasons are temporary.
It may be very challenging to see it as temporary when you’re going through it, but eventually the storm will pass, and the waves will stop crashing against the shore.