8 steps to help you stay positive when everything feels out of control

From the Personal Branding Blog

Life can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster, filled with unpredictable twists and turns.

Staying positive during these moments can seem like a Herculean task. But trust me, it’s not impossible.

In fact, there are simple steps you can take to maintain your positivity, even when everything feels out of control.

These steps will not only help you stay upbeat but also navigate through the chaos with grace and resilience.

Let’s delve into these “8 steps to help you stay positive when everything feels out of control”. Because, remember, even in the darkest clouds, there’s always a silver lining.

1) Embrace the chaos

Life is unpredictable and chaotic, and that’s okay.

Trying to control everything can often lead to stress and disappointment. It’s like trying to catch water with a sieve—it’s fruitless and frustrating.

Instead, try embracing the chaos. Accept that things are out of your control. This doesn’t mean you should resign yourself to fate, but rather understand that some things are beyond your grasp.

Consider this: In nature, a forest fire often leads to a burst of new growth. Similarly, the chaos in your life might just be setting the stage for something wonderful.

Learning to ride the waves of uncertainty can free your mind from unnecessary stress, helping you maintain a positive outlook. After all, life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass—it’s about learning to dance in the rain.

Just remember, it’s okay to not have all the answers. Sometimes, the best way forward is simply taking one step at a time.

2) Cultivate gratitude

This may sound cliché, but it’s a strategy I personally swear by.

A few years ago, I went through a particularly challenging time. Everything seemed to be going wrong, and I felt like I was drowning in negativity.

Then, a friend suggested that I start keeping a gratitude journal. Initially, I was skeptical. How could jotting down things I was thankful for change anything?

But I decided to give it a shot. Every night before sleeping, I’d write down three things I was grateful for that day. It could be something as simple as having a good cup of coffee or receiving a kind message from a friend.

Over time, this practice began to shift my perspective. Instead of focusing on what was going wrong, I started noticing the good things in my life. It didn’t change my circumstances, but it did change how I felt about them.

So, when everything feels out of control, take a moment to count your blessings. You might be surprised at how this simple act can help uplift your spirit and keep you positive.

3) Practice mindfulness

In our fast-paced world, we often rush through life without pausing to take a breath. But did you know that the average person has about 50,000 to 70,000 thoughts per day? That’s roughly 35 to 48 thoughts per minute!

Now imagine if most of these thoughts are negative or centered around things you can’t control. It’s enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed.

That’s where mindfulness comes in.

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment. It’s about observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

By practicing mindfulness, you can learn to identify negative thought patterns and refocus your mind on positivity. It’s not about ignoring difficulties, but rather acknowledging them without letting them consume you.

So the next time you feel like everything is spiraling out of control, take a deep breath, and return to the present moment. It might just be the calm amidst the storm you’re looking for.

4) Stay active

When things feel out of control, it’s easy to let physical activity slip down your list of priorities. But don’t underestimate the power of a good workout.

Physical exercise is not just about keeping your body fit — it’s also about maintaining your mental health. The simple act of moving can release endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones.

Whether it’s a brisk walk in the park, a high-intensity interval training session, or a calming yoga routine — find an activity you enjoy and make it a part of your daily routine.

Staying active can help you clear your mind, reduce stress, and boost your mood. Plus, it’s a great way to take your mind off things that are beyond your control.

So lace up those sneakers and get moving. Take care of your body, and your mind will thank you.

5) Reach out to your support system

There’s a certain strength found in vulnerability, in reaching out and saying, “I need help” or “I’m not okay.”

When things feel out of control, don’t hesitate to lean on your support system. These are the people who love you, who root for you, and who want to see you rise above your challenges.

Whether it’s family, friends, or a trusted mentor — sharing your struggles with them can lighten your load. They may offer advice, provide a different perspective, or simply lend a listening ear. Sometimes, just knowing that you’re not alone can make a world of difference.

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to navigate through the chaos alone. In the grand tapestry of life, our threads are interwoven — we are all connected. And through this connection, we find strength and resilience.

So pick up that phone or send that text message. Reach out. You might be surprised at the amount of love and support that surrounds you.

6) Limit news consumption

In today’s digital age, we’re constantly bombarded with news and updates. While it’s important to stay informed, excessive exposure to negative news can affect your mental health.

There was a time when I found myself constantly checking news updates on my phone. The world seemed like a whirlwind of negativity, and I felt my anxiety levels rising. I realized that this habit was doing me more harm than good.

So, I made a conscious decision to limit my daily news intake. I designated specific times during the day to catch up on current events and avoided looking at news updates first thing in the morning or right before bedtime.

This small adjustment made a significant difference in my overall mood and stress levels. It gave me some space to breathe and focus on the things within my control.

So if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the constant barrage of news, try limiting your exposure. It’s okay to disconnect from the world for a bit to reconnect with yourself.

7) Practice self-care

When things feel out of control, it’s more important than ever to take care of yourself.

Self-care is not just about bubble baths and spa days (although those are definitely nice!). It’s about doing things that nourish your mind, body, and soul.

This could be anything from reading a book, cooking a healthy meal, meditating, or even taking a nap. It’s about taking time out of your day to do something just for you.

Practicing self-care can help you feel grounded and centered amidst the chaos. It provides an opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate, equipping you better to handle life’s challenges.

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. So don’t neglect your own needs while trying to navigate through turbulent times. Prioritize self-care and watch how it positively impacts your overall well-being.

8) Embrace the journey

The most important thing to remember when everything feels out of control is that it’s all part of the journey.

Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns. It’s unpredictable and often messy. But it’s also beautiful and filled with countless opportunities for growth.

Every challenge you face is a chance to learn, to grow, to become a stronger version of yourself. It’s not about the destination, but the lessons learned along the way.

So when things get tough, remember that this is just a chapter in your story, not the whole book. Keep moving forward, keep growing, and above all, keep believing in yourself.

Life might feel out of control right now, but remember — you are capable of extraordinary things. So embrace the journey, chaos and all. After all, stars can’t shine without darkness.

Final thoughts: The power within

What truly sets us apart as human beings is our incredible capacity for resilience and adaptability.

Each one of us has within us an untapped reservoir of strength and positivity. It’s this inner power that helps us navigate through life’s storms, emerging stronger and wiser on the other side.

The eight steps we’ve discussed are not just strategies to stay positive when everything feels out of control. They are reminders of your inherent strength, your ability to adapt, and your potential for growth.

In the wise words of American author Harriet Beecher Stowe, “When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”

So remember, no matter how chaotic things get, you have the power within you to stay positive, to stay resilient, and to weather any storm. Embrace this journey called life with all its ups and downs. After all, it’s in the midst of chaos that we often find our greatest strength.

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