Staying Sane In a Tumultuous World

The untold ways to unlock your inner power

I recently heard someone say that they feel like “the world keeps going from one apocalypse to the next apocalypse to the next apocalypse.” And honestly? I can’t help but agree. As the world’s turmoil intensifies and an endless wave of chaos bombards us, the real challenge isn’t just keeping up—it’s staying sane. Most of us may try to escape it through various means, avoidance or even outright denial—just to shield ourselves from the weight of reality. I completely understand. I often turn to things that bring me comfort—whether it's beautiful decor, exploring new places, or soaking in the cozy atmosphere of a great restaurant. And you know what? There’s nothing wrong with finding things that help us stay grounded to avoid being overwhelmed by negativity.

But at the same time, we have to acknowledge an undeniable truth: no matter how much we try to escape, when we’re stressed, our brain and body go into overdrive to cope with whatever is going on. This puts a strain on our system, causing it to overload physically. That’s why it’s so important for us to learn how to take care of our inner well-being and find ways to transition into calm, so we can maintain our balance and sanity. The ability to self-soothe and use emotional regulation techniques are key skills that help us navigate this transition. With practice, we can calm our emotions, thoughts, physical responses (like heart rate, blood pressure, and sweat), and behavior, bringing them back to a manageable level.

So, yes, even in a dismal world, you are not powerless. You have the ability to ground yourself, find peace amidst chaos, and keep moving forward. The world may feel heavy, but you don’t have to carry it all at once. Find stillness and moments of joy where you can, hold on to hope and remind yourself that resilience isn’t about never feeling overwhelmed—it’s about finding ways to steady yourself when you do—learning how to shift from turmoil to tranquility.

As mentioned, we have this one amazing, powerful tool we all have access to to help us keep sane: self-soothing. Self-soothing and emotional regulation techniques are not just buzzwords; they are essential survival tools. Self-soothing is not about ignoring reality or pretending everything is fine. It’s about giving yourself the space to regulate emotions, find moments of calm, and regain control. So, no matter what’s happening in the world, you have the power to ground yourself, to find stillness, and to keep going. You don’t have to wait for the chaos to end to find peace. You can create it—right here, right now.

What’s great about these techniques is that they help you to connect with yourself on the inside. In addition, they are meant to calm, comfort, and soothe.* They will help you to reduce emotional reactions and behaviors that may harm you and your relationships.

But beyond learning to cope by self-soothing, there is something even more powerful: hope. And if you feel that you may be losing hope, it’s worth learning how to rebuild hope. The hidden power of not giving up—of choosing to hold on to hope rather than surrender to despair—is what carries us forward.

Hope is not just wishful thinking; it is an anchor that keeps us steady with confidence and a belief in a positive outcome. It is also a driving force that motivates us to overcome challenges and strive for a better future.

Obviously, everyone’s different, and what soothes one person may not work for another. That’s completely normal. So, if none of the usual techniques seem to click for you, there’s one powerful tip* I once learned from a mentor that just might make all the difference. Curious? Let’s dive in.