With so much going on in the world, it can be easy to feel off-balance. Between current events, work and personal life, you can lose touch with your emotions. It can be discouraging to feel like you’ve lost yourself in the stresses of daily life.
However, even in a constantly changing world, there are ways you can regain your sense of control. Here are seven ways to center yourself amid the chaos.
1. Deep Breathing
One way to center yourself when overwhelmed is to do deep breathing exercises.
Your breath connects to how you feel physically and mentally. Taking deep breaths helps you reduce your heart rate, calm your stomach and feel more stable.
Many websites and apps offer tips on performing deep breathing. One method is a 4-7-8 technique that helps you control your pace.
- Breathe in from your diaphragm for four seconds
- Hold your breath for seven seconds
- Exhale slowly for eight seconds
You can also combine deep breathing with the 3-3-3 rule, in which you identify three things you can see, hear and move. This mindfulness technique will help you return to reality when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
2. Gratitude Journaling
Another way to center yourself is to remind yourself of the beautiful things and people in your life.
Whenever you feel off-center, write down a list of the things that positively impact your life. It could be your parents, partner, friend, job, hobby or the sunshine. Anything that brings you joy can go on that list.
A great way to stay centered is to keep a gratitude journal, where you write a few things you’re grateful for each day.
3. Grounding Exercise
Performing a grounding exercise can help you feel more centered. This goes a step further than the 3-3-3 rule to engage all give of your senses:
- Take a breath
- Identify what you see
- Identify what you hear
- Identify what you smell
- Identify what you taste
- Identify what you feel
Focusing on your senses makes you feel more connected to the world, helping you get centered.
4. Guided Meditation
Guided meditation centers you by helping you be mindful and healthily process your thoughts.
There are several apps and online videos that will lead you through meditation, which can make it easier to focus.
Calming your racing thoughts through meditation helps you recenter yourself.
5. Yoga
Practicing yoga comes with many benefits, including helping you center yourself.
The exercise calms your nervous system and increases your focus, helping you feel centered.
You’re likely to find a yoga studio in your town, but there are plenty of free online videos that will guide you through various sequences.
6. Massage
You might think of massage as a physical pleasure, but there are many mental health benefits to seeing a massage therapist.
Massages relax you and help you rest easier. These benefits reduce stress and anxiety, which allows you to stay centered.
It also requires your full attention, which can help you feel more connected to it.
7. Social Interaction
Humans are social creatures, and spending time with friends could be a great way to heal if you feel off-center.
We all need support from others, and getting together with loved ones helps us maintain a network.
Going out for coffee, seeing a movie or just ordering takeout with someone you enjoy can help you feel less stressed and more balanced.
Staying Centered
Being proactive in your habits can help you stay centered and feel well. Whenever you feel off, know there are ways to help you get back on your feet.
Photo by Conscious Design.
Cora Gold has a passion for living a happy, healthy and mindful life. As Editor-in-Chief of Revivalist and an avid writer, she aims to inspire others to do the same. Follow Cora on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. 
