Every generation experiences its version of upheaval at some point in time. Many times these events are unforeseen and can feel like a giant slap on the back of your neck. Then there are the events that are unique to you, (not uncommon to man) that you never saw coming. Whatever the case may be, we can probably all agree that life can be uncertain. 

One minute you might be moseying along appreciating the warmth of the sun on your face. You experience a seemingly life-altering event that feels more like a slap in the face. Then suddenly everything comes to a crashing halt and you find yourself fully clothed in an ice-cold shower trying to get the feeling back in your body. Suddenly you’re floundering because everything in your life has suddenly become overwhelming.

You may be experiencing UPHEAVAL and you may be at odds with what to do about it.

What is Upheaval

The dictionary definition of “upheaval” is a violent or sudden change or disruption to something.  It is characterized as a great change usually causing much difficulty, stress, and trouble. It can cause instability and make you lose your footing. 

5 Possible Strategies for Dealing with Upheaval

Now, take a few deep belly breaths as we discuss a few strategies that could help you regain your barrings if you or someone you love is struggling with this.

1. Hit the Pause Button

This is one of my favorite strategies because it works in so many ways. We are taught that when all hell is breaking loose we need to take immediate action to “fix it”. Nothing could be further from the truth. This “strong woman” approach can burn out your adrenal glands quicker than you can shout Halleluyah. Exhaustion is a major by-product of stress and overwhelm. Instead of putting on your fighting boots and storming the gate, consider amping up your self-care routines. I know this may sound counterintuitive, but caring for yourself deeply can go a long way in healing the body and clearing the mind. To regain your footing you need a strong body and a stress-free mind. 

Also, When these catastrophic events come to throw you off course, it can leave you feeling helpless and hopeless. This strategy can also help you feel like you have control over something. You might not have the perfect strategy or the physical strength to apply but you can make yourself a cup of tea, take a warm bath and get some sleep.

When you become disaster-focused, it’s easy to neglect yourself. Now more than ever, you need to eat well and get enough sleep. Taking time for yourself will help you reduce some physical strain an upheaval can cause. Feeling better physically has been shown to lower anxiety and stress. 

When life makes you feel you’re running in all directions at once, the last thing you need is added responsibility. It’s time to start protecting yourself by amping up the self-care and by saying ‘no’

This is you taking control where you can.

2. Switch up your Daily Routine

Once you start to feel rested, consider switching up your routine. It’s easy to fall into a rut when you’re in upheaval. You’ve been wounded. You want to feel comfortable.  That’s only natural. But as your energy starts to rise, rise with it. Instead of your typical low-energy activities: consuming copious amounts of TV or social media, snacking on unhealthy foods all day, or sleeping when you’re no longer sleepy. Add someone new to your routine. The goal here is to mix up your schedule. The body loves routine, but the spirit craves novelty.  

3. Park Your Phone (in the garage if need be)

It never ceases to amaze me that no matter how much upheaval one experiences in life it seldom affects their phone addiction. The world could come to an end, but we can still muster up the strength to check text messages, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok. The reason for this is that the brain craves dopamine and social media is low-hanging fruit. 

Take a break. More often than not, the feedback of others is only going to invite you to obsess about the crisis and not offer much in the way of solutions. In other words, you may feel better at the moment but not necessarily in the long run.

4. Be Kind to Others

Believe it or not, being kind to others has healing properties. Not only that, it allows you to still have loved ones in your life after your crisis.  Attitude is everything. If you’re feeling the disaster, start looking for small ways to be more helpful to those around you. Doing this takes your focus off your negativity and builds positivity in someone else’s day, with the side benefit of raising your mood at the same time. Trust me when I say your future self will thank you.

5. Imagine a Brighter Future

Create a mental picture of where you want to be in the future. Hang onto this image. By reminding yourself you’re going to get through this and be able to accomplish your future goals, you’re acknowledging the current situation is temporary. You are saying to yourself, “this too shall pass”.

Final Thoughts:

Keep in mind that if you find yourself in debilitating circumstances and need help to overcome it, professional counseling is always an option. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional and get the help and support that you need to get on your feet.

Unfortunately, not every upheaval can be avoided. Most are out of your control from the moment they hit. On the other hand, you do still have the ability to control your actions and the steps you take afterward. By practicing these techniques, at the very least, you’re going to feel stronger and more confident about your next steps. This can provide peace of mind and move forward.

As always,

Be well + prosper,

Elaine xx