Prioritizing You in the Midst of Chaos

This article originally appeared on IAAPEdge on August 10, 2021.

Do you ever feel like a hamster on a spinning wheel, perpetually hustling against a current of deadlines, tantrums, and unexpected surprises? Let's face it, chaos is an uninvited guest at everyone's party. But instead of throwing our hands up in despair, what if we could transform into seasoned chaos-tamers??

This post equips you with F.I.R.S.T. - five powerful strategies to navigate life's whirlwinds with grace and resilience:?

• F - Find Your Locus of Control?
• I - Investigate Your Fears?
• R?- Reprogram Defeatist Thinking?
• S - Seek Healthy Support?
• T - Take Time for Self-Care

Find Your Locus of Control

Imagine you're lost in a dense forest. The first step? Identifying the paths you can actually control. Analyze your situation:?

• What can you directly influence??
• What's partially within your reach??
• What's simply beyond your scope??

Release the burden of trying to control the uncontrollable. Instead, channel your energy into strategic action where it truly matters.?

Investigate Your Fear

Fear, that frenemy, often amplifies chaos. But before getting swept away by its tide, discern real danger from imagined threats. Ask yourself:?

• Is this fear based on concrete evidence??
• Or am I "awfulizing" the situation??

Acknowledge and address genuine concerns, but gently challenge the fear of "what ifs." Techniques like focused breathing and meditation can soothe your nervous system and restore clarity in the storm.?

Reprogram defeatist thinking??

Negative self-talk is the chaos chorus in our heads. Counter it with a symphony of self-confidence! Remind yourself of your strengths, past successes, and reasons for optimism. ?

Jot down daily affirmations highlighting your accomplishments and goals. Drown out the self-doubt with a gentle but persistent chorus of "I can" and "I will."???

Seek healthy support??

Social media's shiny world of likes and followers is a mirage. True support comes from genuine connections. Foster deep, trusting relationships with a few key individuals who can offer a listening ear, honest feedback, and unwavering encouragement.?

Find your people at work, among friends, or even within professional mentorship programs. Remember, you don't have to sail this sea alone.?

Take time for self-care??

Imagine facing a mountain without proper gear. Self-care is your sturdy hiking boots and trusty backpack. Ensure your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met.?

Find what nourishes you – be it healthy snacks, refreshing walks, invigorating workouts, or simply letting loose to your favorite music. Don't view self-care as a luxury; it's the fuel that keeps you going.?

Remember, chaos is inevitable, but how we respond is a choice. With these strategies, you can transform from a passive victim to a confident architect of your own calm. So, the next time the whirlwind hits, take a deep breath, embrace these tools, and conquer the chaos once and for all.?