Creating Calm in the Chaos

As we say goodbye (and good riddance!) to 2020 and ring in the New Year, it’s likely that many of you will be feeling a little uncertain. There’s no denying that things haven’t quite gone to plan. Christmas wasn’t quite what we’re used to and all our hopes of “everything will be alright in next year” have been a little dashed.

If you’re feeling anxious, unhappy or just a little unsettled you’re certainly not alone. The good news is that there is a simple solution. I can’t give you a way to click your fingers and make life go back to normal, but I can offer a simple strategy that will give you a little control over how you’re feeling. To help you feel calm in the chaos of these next few weeks or months.

Mindfulness I know mindfulness has a bit of a bad rap. Some people think it’s a bit woo-woo or airy-fairy. But it’s actually a hugely powerful technique that will help you to control your emotions and choose how you experience whatever life will bring.

The theory is pretty simple. Mindfulness is a practice of choosing to focus on the present. Choosing to guide your mind away from your past memories and your future worries, so you can stay fully present in whatever you’re experiencing at that exact moment.

Similar to meditation, it’s a good idea to set aside some time every day to “train your brain” to stay present. Just find a comfortable seat, close your eyes and focus wholly on what you can feel, hear and experience right now. Then, any time you feel yourself spiralling or find your emotions getting back in control, take a few deep breaths and bring your mind back to now. What can you see, what can you hear, what can you smell… It might sound simple, but it can have a very powerful effect. And I’m sure that if you’ll try it you’ll find it gives you a little calm in the chaos of 2021.