8 Tips to Feel in Control When Life Feels Chaotic

8 Tips to Feel in Control When Life Feels Chaotic

Life has a way of spiralling into chaos – caring for a sick child, juggling school pick-ups or trying to manage an endless list of chores. If your to-do list seems to grow faster than you can tackle it, you might feel overwhelmed, frustrated and out of control.

But here’s the good news: even in the midst of chaos, there are small, intentional actions you can take to regain control and calm the storm.

Here are 8 Practical Tips that can help:

1. Reframe What Control Really Means

Control isn’t about handling everything perfectly—it’s about focusing on what’s within your power.

• Can’t control a child’s illness or a surprise school call? Focus on how you respond instead.
• Ask yourself: What needs my attention right now? What can wait?

Prioritising in this way helps you stay grounded and prevents the overwhelm of trying to manage it all at once.

2. Simplify Your Day to Reduce Stress

When life feels out of control, simplifying tasks can make a big difference:

• Plan simple meals: Prep easy-to-make snacks or use shortcuts to save time.
• Lower expectations: It’s okay if the laundry waits or the house isn’t spotless.
• Batch tasks: Multitask efficiently – fold laundry while your baby naps/ kids are doing homework or listen to a podcast while tidying up.

Every small simplification creates more room for what matters most.

3. Create a Daily Anchor for Stability

Establishing one consistent daily ritual can help ground you amidst the chaos.

• Enjoy 5 minutes of quiet with your coffee in the morning.
• Journal for a few minutes before bed.
• Take a short breathing break during nap time.

These anchors provide a sense of predictability, even on unpredictable days.

4. Embrace Micro Self-Care Moments

Self-care doesn’t have to mean spa days or hours alone. Micro self-care moments are powerful and accessible:

• Take three deep breaths when stress hits.
• Drink a glass of water to re-energise.
• Step outside for a quick minute of fresh air.

These small actions remind your brain that you’re prioritising yourself, even in tiny ways.

5. Delegate or Ask for Help

You don’t have to do it all. Asking for support is a strength, not a weakness.

• Can your partner or a family member step in with chores?
• Could a friend pick up your child or run a quick errand for you?

Accepting help lightens your load and gives you more space to focus on what truly matters.

6. Set Realistic Expectations for Yourself

You’re only human and some days, surviving is an achievement.

• If you’ve kept everyone safe and fed, that’s enough.
• Celebrate small wins instead of fixating on unfinished tasks.

Being kind to yourself during tough times is key to long-term well-being.

7. Practice Gratitude for Small Moments

Gratitude doesn’t make the chaos disappear, but it shifts your mindset.

• Acknowledge moments of joy: your child’s smile, a kind text or a warm meal.
• Write down one thing you’re grateful for each evening.

Gratitude helps you find calm amidst life’s storms.

8. End the Day with Reflection

Before going to bed, take a moment to reflect:

• What went well today?
• What are you proud of?

Even small wins, like making it through the day, deserve celebration. Reflection helps you end on a positive note and sets the tone for tomorrow.

The Philosophical Take When Life Feels Chaotic

From a Vedantic perspective, life inherently operates in dualities – joy and sorrow, control and chaos, success and struggle.

These contrasts are not signs that something is wrong but rather the natural rhythm of existence.

Vedanta teaches us to view life with equanimity, understanding that challenges are as much a part of life’s design as moments of ease.

When we stop resisting the ebb and flow, we can find a deeper sense of peace amidst the turmoil.

Instead of asking, Why is this happening to me?, try reflecting on What is this teaching me?

This shift in perspective helps us feel more connected to the greater wisdom of life, where every experience, no matter how chaotic, has its place in the journey toward growth and self-discovery.

Something to think about…

Conclusion: You’re Doing Enough

When life feels chaotic, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling short. But control doesn’t mean perfection – it means focusing on what you can manage, prioritising self-care and celebrating progress.

By taking small, intentional steps, you can create calm, confidence and clarity, even in the busiest seasons of life.

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