When you are in the middle of chaos. You’re not sure what you’re going to do. That bill you were dreading has come through the door, your relationship just ended or your boss has requested a meeting with you… one of these things is enough to make your head spin faster than the waltzers at a fairground.

In situations you can’t control, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what’s happening. How you handle yourself when you are blind sighted by stress, devastation and hardship, these are the moments that will define you and that is where your power lies.

“When your world moves too fast and you lose yourself in the chaos, introduce yourself to each colour of the sunset. Reacquaint yourself with the earth beneath your feet. Thank the air that surrounds you with every breath you take. Find yourself in the appreciation of life.” – Christy Ann Martine

Remind yourself that no matter how bleak things may seems right now, this is your first reaction to the news and most people’s first reaction is self-defence, to plan all of the possible outcomes with the end of the world as we know it coming first on the list. That’s okay. Allow yourself the time to panic, to worry, to  give that emotion an allotted amount of time and then begin to ground yourself.

BODY

Take your shoes and socks off, press your feet against the floor. Feel the ground underneath your feet.

5 SENSES

Grab your favourite hoodie or blanket and wrap yourself in it, smell your favourite perfume/body spray/aftershave/essential oil, make a cup of tea, look out your bedroom window and find a single spot of beauty in the view. Look at that picture that always makes you smile.

SELF-SOOTHE

Take a shower or bath, light some candles, make the most of the flowers you were going to throw away and sprinkle the petals in there. Read a book, listen to music or quietly meditate.

OBSERVE

Describe an object in detail; the colours, texture, how the light hits it, what shape it is etc.

BREATHE

Practice 4-7-8 breathing. Inhale to 4, hold for 7, exhale to 8...

DISTRACT

Find all the square or white objects in the room. Count in 7s. Say the date.

All these techniques will help to centre yourself, bring yourself back to the situation in a calmer way.  

Most importantly remember that all feelings pass, all moments of chaos will become moments of calm again because you are strong and you can handle any situation life throws at you with the right frame of mind and the right guidance.