Finding Stillness in Chaos

Stress… a small word with a big impact. It can take hold of us at any moment, like a sudden gust of wind on a still day. It can leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and drained.

Life in itself is a big bucket of stress… so many things are pouncing on our emotions; family, health, finances, work, relationship… the list is endless. At some point, you find your head twirling uncontrollably and you feel like you have lost grasp of your entire being. While stress can be a natural response to challenging situations, it can become overwhelming if not managed effectively. How then do you manage it all without exploding at some point? one would ask.

The art of managing stress varies for different people, but for me, it is a simple set of routines that sometimes work like magic. But trust me, it is not always a cinch, it does not always work, but it is okay because we are humans, we are complex beings and that is where our beauty lies.
One of the most effective ways that I deal with stress is through mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment; fully aware of what is happening without judgment or distraction. It is very pertinent to first identify the cause of your stress, because only then can you address it. You must first be calm and take charge of the situation, because if you are not, your anxiety will get the better part of you, and you will end up doing little or nothing about the situation causing stress. Being mindful of the situation, staying calm, and identifying the cause of the stress will help you come up with effective solutions and strategies to manage your stress and tackle the situation at hand.

Another way to deal with stress is through physical activity. Exercise has been shown to release endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Even a short walk or a few minutes of stretching can help reduce stress and improve our mood. I have a few morning routines that I indulge in before leaving for work every day, and when I feel overwhelmed at work, I love to take a walk around the office or sit in an open space to get a bit of sunlight, it helps to relax my nerves.

Connecting with others is also a powerful way for me to deal with stress. Talking to a friend or loved one, or even just spending time in the company of others helps me feel supported and connected. It can also give me a sense of perspective and remind me that I am not alone in my struggles.

Lastly, I enjoy making out time for self-care. This can be as simple as taking a few minutes to breathe deeply, practicing a relaxation technique like meditation, getting enough sleep, treating myself to something special, or indulging in a hobby that brings me joy such as reading a book, listening to music, or watching a movie. When we take care of ourselves, we are better able to deal with stress and face life’s challenges with greater resilience.

I must not fail to mention that it is okay to take bathroom breaks to cry when you are stressed out, it frees you up in ways beyond your imagination. Bathroom breaks are quite essential, sometimes you have to stand in front of the mirror to self-talk, to gear yourself up, tell yourself that you’ve come way too far to give up now and that you are stronger than you know… and then you come out feeling like Viola Davis from ‘Woman King.’ It doesn’t matter how many times we break, what matters is that we fix ourselves and become stronger than we were.

Stress may be a part of life, but it doesn’t have to define us. By practising mindfulness, staying active, connecting with others, and prioritizing self-care, we can learn to navigate stress with greater ease and find a greater sense of peace and well-being in our daily lives. Remember, taking care of yourself is essential for managing stress and living a fulfilling life.