Things I’m Doing to Support Myself Through This Hard Time - In Case You Need Support Too
What do you do when the world feels like it’s on fire, and your nervous system is simply running out of capacity to hold it all?
If you are feeling especially anxious, heavy, frozen, or emotionally exhausted right now, I want to start by saying this clearly: It makes sense.
As humans, we weren't designed to process this much chaos, this much information, and this much pain all at once. If your system feels dysregulated, that isn't a sign of weakness—it’s biology. Your brain is working overtime trying to find certainty in a world that feels incredibly uncertain.
I’m not here to give you "fixes" or silver linings today. I just want to share the personal practices I’m using to support myself through this season, in hopes that they might offer you a little bit of steady ground, too.
1. Feeling Without Fixing
One of the biggest things I’m practicing is letting myself feel without trying to "fix" it. We often think that if we feel a heavy emotion, we have to reframe it, make it productive, or calm it down immediately. But feelings don't actually require solutions; they require space. When we stop fighting our emotions and just let them exist, they tend to move through us much more gently.
2. Discernment Over Avoidance
I am being incredibly mindful of what I’m consuming—the news, social media, and even heavy group chats. There is a difference between staying informed and being flooded. If you notice your anxiety ramping up, it is okay to limit your exposure. This isn’t avoidance; it’s discernment. You are protecting your capacity so that you can continue to function.
3. Leaning on Routine (Even Without Motivation)
When things feel chaotic, our brains crave familiarity. I’ve been pushing myself to stick to my routines—cooking, walking, bedtime habits—even when I don't feel like it. Predictability signals "safety" to the nervous system.
4. Staying Connected to "Regulating" People
When things get hard, I tend to want to withdraw and isolate. I have to remind myself that connection is one of the most regulating tools we have. I’m making the effort to call the friend who makes me laugh or go to the event I signed up for, even when I'm in my head about it. We need people who bring a sense of lightness to our lives right now.
5. Nature as a Grounding Tool
I’m not a big fan of "hacky" grounding practices. For me, the best way to come back to the present is to get outside. Even if it’s frigid and snowing, spending just a few minutes breathing fresh air and feeling the sun on my face helps pull me out of the "future-tripping" of anxiety and back into my body.
6. Finding Pockets of Joy
It can feel wrong to experience joy when things feel so heavy, but joy doesn't mean you don't care. It means you are giving your nervous system a chance to soften so you can stay resilient. Whether it's a hobby, a silly TV show (I’m currently down a Traitors rabbit hole!), or playing with my daughter, I am intentionally choosing moments of light.
7. Setting Boundaries Without Guilt
I’ve had to get comfortable saying, "I don’t have the capacity to talk about this right now." Protecting your peace isn't selfish; it’s how you make sure you can continue to show up for your family, your work, and your community.
A Final Note on Compassion
Please be deeply compassionate with yourself. If you’ve reached for old coping mechanisms lately, don't tell yourself you’re regressing. You aren't "slipping"; your system is just reaching for protection in a very hard moment.
Take care of yourself first. We are most effective and most helpful to others when we allow ourselves to slow down and stay grounded.
You aren't alone in these feelings. We’re walking through this together.
ready to stop doing it alone?
Inside my 10-week program, Panic to Peace, I’ll guide you through this work step by step and you’ll be surrounded by people who truly get it.
You don’t have to stay stuck. Healing is possible and it’s closer than you think.
Come hang out with me on Instagram → I'd love to connect with you!
