How do we practice self-care when life feels chaotic?

It is no surprise that we are navigating turbulent times, but how can we take care of ourselves and others when we feel out of control?

Change in our personal lives and in our society leaves us feeling exposed and vulnerable, re-evaluating patterns and beliefs that perhaps we’ve outgrown. It forces us to shed what no longer serves us so we can build something better for ourselves even when it’s painful.

How to practice self-care when everything is changing

First, acknowledge the whirlwind you’re in. Don't try to intellectualize or minimize what you’re feeling. Remind yourself that there is room for all parts of you and that the right to feel doesn’t have to be earned. Feelings are a natural part of your existence and it is normal to have many emotions, sometimes all at once. It’s okay to be angry, sad, confused, or frustrated while feeling grateful or content. Give yourself permission to feel it all without judgment and soften your expectations of an overwhelmed self.

Next, find your grounding points. In the midst of things falling apart and overall chaos, what can you hold onto? This might be a simple routine – a morning cup of tea, a walk in nature, a cuddle with your pet, or listening to calming music. It could be connecting with a trusted friend who offers a non-judgmental ear, space from a stressful relationship you need a break from, or a visit to a space that visually represents the spaciousness you want to create within you. Cultivate moments of connection to self, others, and your environment that walk you back to yourself without judgment or expectation based urgency. Honor the pace of your nervous system.

Embrace the rebuilding. The space left by what’s fallen is an opportunity to reconstruct, consciously and intentionally. What do you truly want to bring into your life now? What values of yours are steadfast through the whirlwind? And with the internal jostling, how can you find a sense of harmonious (or at least tolerable) compromise within yourself and your environment? This isn't about perfection, but about finding a way forward that honors your well-being and humanity. New routines will find you in time, it’s important to be willing to meet yourself with compassionate curiosity in the in-between space where rebuilding happens. 


Try something new. Doing something you’ve never done before or haven’t practiced very much of is going to come with the discomfort of unfamiliarity. When you’re learning to do something new, you’re actively coming from a place of not knowing so cut yourself some slack and don’t hold yourself to the expectations of being an expert at something you’re just starting to put to practice. This also applies to things like positive self talk which you may be practicing as a new skill . It’s okay and totally reasonable if you’re not awesome at something you haven’t done before so it gives you a low stakes way to engage with uncertainty.

The path through these challenging times isn't easy, but by acknowledging the disruption, finding your personal anchors, and embracing the rebuild, you will become stronger and more resilient.

If you feel that talking to a therapist would help you navigate these challenging times, feel free to schedule a free consultation with us.