What to do when it feels like the world is falling apart...
As we watch the headlines of disease, financial uncertainty, and racism it can feel like our world is unraveling. But it's likely not just the world that feels like it’s falling apart, your personal world may also be unraveling at the seams. Over the past few months I've talked with clients whose marriages have ended. I’ve spoken with teens and young adults struggling with suicidal thoughts. And I’ve seen a massive increase in addictive behaviors in the midst of these uncertain times.
What do you do when it feels like your world is falling apart?
I wish I could hand you a magic pill or a shiny card with all of the steps to make your life better. But you and I both know there is no infomercial remedy.
When it feels like our world is disintegrating, it's so easy to feel powerless and/or reactive. It’s like we believe there’s a continuum: on one side, we do nothing but sit passively. On the other end of the continuum, we emotionally react. But neither side will empower you or bring you peace.
Instead of being passive or reacting, here are some suggestions for how to respond to the negative, scary, terrible things that are happening in our world:
Remember what self-care practices work best for you. This is more than a massage or a mani-pedi. By self-care, I really mean soul-care. What is your soul craving? When talking with clients and reflecting on my own needs, I find most of our souls are craving rest and peace. You may find peace and rest through taking a nap, calling a friend, or watching a movie. Notice which actions deplete and drain you (this may be Netflix, social media, or even an unhealthy friendship), and try to spend less time doing these things.
Process your emotions. Anger, fear, sadness... you likely have experienced one or all of these emotions over the past few months. When you reject and push down your emotions, you're rejecting a part of yourself, and this leads to other issues. It's hard work, but feel your feelings. You can practice this through journaling, meditation,and talking with emotionally safe loved ones.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. I loathe asking for help. By nature, I'm a do-it-yourself kind of person. But this often leaves me juggling ten different responsibilities, and trying to do it all on my own leaves me miserable and exhausted. What tasks can you delegate? What can you ask for help with? What can wait for later?
Return to prayer. Our country desperately needs God’s people to "humble themselves, pray, and seek God's face" (2 Chronicles 7:14). So often we feel like prayer is a tiny act that won't do anything. But now, more than ever, we need God to restore and heal our minds, bodies, and spirits. This isn't meant to be a push towards religiosity but rather a move to connect with Him. In this connection, you will find rest for your weary soul and hope when all you see around you is brokenness and devastation.
What I've listed above certainly isn't easy. These ideas are a bit like running. Running is pretty easy the first few seconds— it's the keeping it going that's the hard part, especially when the sun is beating down on you, when you're hungry and tired, or when you feel like you have too much ground to cover.
Your circumstances aren't likely to change after you've taken a nap, prayed, or talked with a friend. But those small acts of faith feed your heart, mind, and soul, providing much-needed stabilization for your exhausted, weary self.
Blessing to you and take care,
Melissa