Coping With Chaos Using Five Simple Strategies

The world we live in is full of chaos, stress and uncertainty, so it’s no surprise that negativity sneaks into your outlook from time to time. It’s so important to seek out the silver linings no matter how messed up a situation may seem.

Coping with chaos is tough. Attitude truly is everything. But, how are you supposed to keep a positive outlook when it’s unclear what the future holds and negativity is all around you? In my last post, I shared tips for becoming a Zen coach and becoming more present. Here are 5 ways to keep your head up and your mind right in times of chaos.

Feed Your Mind

One of the best things you can do to maintain a positive outlook is to feed your mind positive, inspirational content on a daily basis. This can be in the form of books, podcasts, Ted X talks, YouTube videos and blog posts. The list is endless. I have a few happy music playlists that I crank up to shift my focus. Here’s one of my fave Spotify playlists called Happy Hits! Search for content that inspires you to laugh, smile and see all the good this world has to offer. By making this a daily habit, you ensure that you keep a positive attitude even when you are working at coping with chaos.

Watch Who You Hang Around

When life gets tough, as it sometimes does, it’s so important that you surround yourself with people that will support you rather than bring you down. Be super intentional about the people you allow into that circle. Distance yourself as much as possible from those who tend to bring drama and negativity into your life. Set strict boundaries and be firm, even with family and friends. It will be so much easier to keep a smile on your face when you surround yourself with people who have your back and don’t add to the problem. This resource for staying grounded in troubled times is a good one.

Practice Gratitude

Focusing on all the good things in your life is a great way to stay positive, even when the world seems to be falling apart. Start a gratitude journal and write down 3 (or more) things each day that you are thankful for. Go back and re-read them whenever you get a chance. It really helps to put things in perspective and reminds you that no matter how difficult life may get, you still have so much to be grateful for. You might like these guided meditations to find your calm.

Help Others

You are usually not the only one who is coping with chaos, especially at this point in time. It’s nearly impossible to have a bad attitude when you are being of service to someone else. Simply knowing that you are making an impact on someone else’s life is enough to give you a sense of peace you won’t find anywhere else – and there are so many ways to do this.  Volunteer at the local food bank, give to a charity of your choice, pay for someone’s meal in the drive-thru or simply mow your neighbour’s grass. Giving your time and energy to something bigger than yourself will help you maintain a positive attitude and put a smile on someone else’s face. That’s a win-win.

Exercise More

This doesn’t mean you have to do a gruelling workout every single day or train for a 5k. Simply make an effort to move your body for 30 minutes every day. Take a walk, go hiking, swimming, or even try your hand at yoga. The options are limitless. Studies have shown that routine exercise releases endorphins into your body which automatically puts you in a better mood. Not only will your mental health improve with regular exercise, but it will keep you in better shape as well.

When it feels like the world is going crazy, it may seem impossible to maintain a positive outlook. However, with a few of these simple tips, you can still smile your way through the chaos and possibly impact others with your positive energy.

A professional coach can provide a lot of support as you get things back on track. A coach is not a therapist or counsellor. Here is a post on the difference between coaching and counselling.