As the current air traffic control situation causes ongoing delays - I am prompted to offer some support when faced with an unexpected challenge that is out of our control, such as this.
There are many decisions that you must make throughout the course of a day. Whether you're deciding what clothes to wear, which activities to do, or which people to see, life consists of constant decision-making at pretty much every moment.
Although you can make choices and plans for life, no one can ever be prepared for the unexpected. When these unexpected situations add up, it’s easy to become overly anxious and feel as if your life is out of control.
In life, there are many things out of our control.
Some things are easier to deal with, like a flat tyre or your child forgetting their lunch. But there are those out-of-control situations in life that loom so large they overwhelm you. These situations may last for months or even years, such as losing a job, the end of a relationship or an ongoing injury.
How do you cope with the stress of these out-of-control situations?
Feeling like you have no control when a situation is affecting your life in such a profound way can be really difficult to cope with.
When these situations build, it can take you to a breaking point and ultimately have a huge impact on your overall health and wellbeing.
But before you get to that point, you have to find a way to let go.
You have to accept that this is happening, or has happened, and that there will be a future beyond this, as long as you're still alive.
It's an easy thing to say, particularly in hindsight.
But logically, if you think about it, this is the only way to move on and give yourself a chance at being happy.
We can't always see the woods for the trees, which is absolutely understandable.
But how much of your mental stability you invest in trying to control a situation you can't control is up to you.
So really, when you think about it, there is something that you can control here.
You can control how much you let this situation control you.
Like I say to my clients -
“The Solution To Every Problem Is The Same,
How Can I Look At This Differently?”
We don't get to control every aspect of life.
Indeed, some could put forth a very good argument that we don't control anything really.
But we can control how much we let something affect us.
The mind is very powerful and it takes a lifetime to learn to tame it. This is part of our personal growth journey.
Depending on the circumstances, this may take quite some time. But here are 4 steps to managing your mind when things feel out of control;
Step 1 - Assess Your Feelings
Take a moment to identify and acknowledge your emotions. Understand how you're feeling and the reasons behind your sense of being overwhelmed or out of control. This self-awareness is crucial for addressing the situation.
Step 2 - Break Down the Issues
Identify the specific areas of your life that feel chaotic or out of control. Break down the larger problems into smaller, manageable components. This can make them feel more approachable and less overwhelming.
Step 3 - Prioritise and Plan
Determine which aspects you can address, of those, which can be done immediately and what might require more time? Set clear priorities and create a plan of action for tackling each issue. Having a structured approach can provide a sense of direction.
Step 4 - Practice Self-Care and Acceptance
During challenging times, it's essential to take care of yourself physically and mentally. Engage in activities that help you relax, recharge, and reduce stress. Additionally, practice self-compassion and remind yourself that it's okay to feel overwhelmed at times.
Remember that regaining control is a gradual process. By breaking down problems, setting priorities, and practicing self-care, you can start to regain a sense of stability and manage the aspects of life that feel out of control.
If you find it difficult to cope, don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professionals.
I hope this helps today !
Have a great week ! ?