Managing life and chaos

I think we can all agree it is difficult to keep up with our responsibilities while there is chaos in the world. The COVID-19 pandemic is at its worst, especially in California, with Los Angeles County at 0% ICU capacity. Political clashes have been constant and on January 6 when Congress was certifying the election results domestic terrorists stormed the U.S. Capitol. It is impossible to ignore what is happening and it can conflict with completing our daily tasks.  

Most of us are the same. We have jobs to attend to and school to complete. Some of us have family responsibilities and organization commitments. Overall, we all have some type of responsibilities that we need to take care of. I know I am not the only one that loses the desire to go to work or finish homework when I see what is happening on the news. On January 6 my eyes were glued to the television as I was frightened by what I was seeing. I admit I didn’t start my homework until 9 p.m. because I was too caught up tracking what was happening at the Capitol. 

I haven’t mastered managing chaos and personal life balance but there are some things that truly help. One is sleeping. I find time to take day naps in between classes for 30 minutes or an hour. Sometimes I “fake nap” where I just close my eyes and let my mind become blank without actually falling asleep. In those minutes that my eyes are shut is a brief moment to become disassociated with the world and all it contains. Our bodies become so relaxed and our hands unclench. For those moments our minds become silent. It really takes the stress off our bodies when it can be at an all-time high causing head and chest aches. 

Another thing I do is writing small goals before my day begins. I wake up and write things I will do during the day. It is usually things like “attend all my classes” or “start on the homework assignment I’ve been pushing back.” To me, I feel more held accountable to complete my responsibilities and I feel more accomplished at the end of the day. As the world is madness, I can feel proud I was still able to get going and do what I need to do.  

Do not feel embarrassed about feeling anxious about our country. Do not beat yourself up if you aren’t performing as you typically would. We are currently living through historic times and it is valid to feel every emotion you feel. Do whatever it takes to help you find a balance between the craziness of the world and your own personal life. 

• Chaos
• corona
• life
• manage
• politics