Finding and Keeping Peace in a World That Feels Like It’s Falling Apart
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything happening in the world right now, including political tension and global unrest. We also live in a world of 24/7 news coverage and social media, which can keep us constantly tethered to information and make it difficult to disengage.
Maintaining personal peace when things feel hard often requires creating an internal sanctuary that allows the mind and nervous system to feel supported and protected. We can use our mental, emotional, and spiritual selves to build intentional and proactive coping skills. Here are some strategies:
Limit your exposure and consumption.
It can feel important to stay informed and engaged with what is happening in the world. It is also okay to give yourself time and space to focus on other parts of life. Consider factors like time of day, your mood, and how other areas of life are feeling so you can be intentional about when and why you are connecting to this information. Some people find it helpful to set aside a specific time to gather information or schedule a “worry window” so they have more control over when they are impacted.Understand your radius of control.
This is about recognizing that there are external factors you cannot control, while your own thoughts, actions, and responses are within your control. Focusing on what you can influence helps reduce future-focused worry and can decrease feelings of overwhelm.Practice daily rituals that support self-regulation and self-compassion.
When we work to regulate our emotions and practice kindness toward ourselves, we reinforce our commitment to our own wellness and life experience. Finding value in ourselves can build empowerment and help us feel more balanced while navigating daily stress. This might include time in nature, self-care routines, mindfulness or meditation, and spending time with loved ones.Connect with community.
Spending time with people whose values align with yours or who support your concerns can create a sense of grounding and connection. Simple, kind human interactions also matter. Consider small moments of kindness, like being intentional with the cashier at the grocery store or bringing cookies to a local business as a thank-you. These moments can help keep us present and connected to the world immediately around us.
Maintaining a sense of peace in a chaotic world often takes intention and practiced coping skills. Remember that your therapist is here to support you.
Rachel Brown, MSW, SWLC
Resources: