How Can I Be Happy When it Feels Like the World is Falling Apart?

In recent times, it's hard not to feel overwhelmed by all the negativity and chaos around us. From economic uncertainty to social upheaval, it can feel like the world is falling apart. When we're constantly bombarded with negative news and events, it's easy to forget that happiness is still an achievable goal. It's important to recognize that there are meaningful ways to make changes and find fulfillment even amidst chaos.

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Here are some tips for staying happy, positive, and satisfied even during life’s challenging times.

Focus on What You Can Control:

Accept that there are many things beyond your control. Instead of dwelling on them, shift your focus towards what you can control - your thoughts, actions, and choices.  Recognize that you have agency and influence over your own life. Direct your energy towards making positive changes in your own life and immediate surroundings. Set meaningful goals, make choices aligned with your values, and take steps towards personal growth and fulfillment.  By focusing on what you can control, you create a sense of empowerment and purpose, enabling you to find happiness in the pursuit of your aspirations and the process of creating a life that aligns with your desires and values.

Practice Self-Care:

Prioritize self-care activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Self-care allows you to connect with your inner needs and desires, leading to a better understanding of yourself and what truly brings you fulfillment. Engaging in activities that nourish and rejuvenate you, such as practicing mindfulness, exercising, or engaging in hobbies, can provide a sense of stability and happiness. Living this way helps to reduce stress, improve overall mood, and enhance your ability to engage positively with the world around you. By taking care of yourself, you are better equipped to navigate and bounce back from life's challenges and setbacks. It also makes you better equipped to make change in the world and not burn out, should you choose to get involved in things like activism.

Limit Exposure to Negative Triggers:

While it's important to stay informed, constantly immersing yourself in negative news and social media can take a toll on your mental health. Recognize the impact of external influences on your mental and emotional well-being. By setting boundaries and managing your environment, you create space for positivity and reduce sources of stress and negativity. This approach allows you to cultivate a more peaceful and harmonious inner world, fostering a mindset conducive to finding meaning and fulfillment. Limiting exposure to negative triggers can also help you channel your energy toward activities and relationships that align with your values and contribute to your overall happiness. By intentionally curating your surroundings and interactions, you empower yourself to focus on the aspects of life that bring joy, purpose, and positive growth, ultimately contributing to a greater sense of meaning and satisfaction in your life journey.

Contribute to Causes You Care About:

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Take proactive steps to make a positive impact on the world around you. Look for organizations or initiatives that align with your values and lend your support, whether through volunteering, donations, or advocating for change. Engaging in activities that support meaningful causes allows you to feel connected to something greater than yourself and fosters a sense of purpose and fulfillment. By dedicating your time, resources, or skills to initiatives that resonate with you, you not only create a positive impact on others but also experience a deep sense of satisfaction and joy. Contributing to causes you care about can also lead to a greater sense of community and connection, as you live with a sense of purpose and actively work towards creating a better world around you. Remember: No one can do it all. If you want to have an impact, try to focus on one thing at a time.

Cultivate Meaningful Relationships:

Surround yourself with supportive and positive people. Recognize the importance of human connection and nurturing deep, authentic bonds with others. Seek connections with individuals who share your values and who uplift, inspire, and encourage you. Engage in meaningful conversations and be present for others. Meaningful relationships provide a sense of belonging, support, and understanding, which can greatly contribute to overall well-being and happiness. By investing time and effort in building and maintaining relationships with family, friends, or romantic partners, you create a network of individuals who share in your joys, sorrows, and aspirations. These relationships offer opportunities for growth, personal development, and emotional support, as well as moments of celebration and shared experiences.

Practice Empathy and Compassion:

During challenging times, it's vital to extend empathy and compassion towards others. Seek to understand different perspectives and be kind and supportive to those around you. By cultivating empathy, you are able to truly listen and understand the experiences and emotions of those around you, fostering meaningful connections and nurturing relationships. Engaging in acts of kindness and helping others in need can create a sense of fulfillment and boost your own well-being. Ultimately, by embracing empathy and compassion, you create a positive ripple effect that can lead to a more meaningful and joyful existence.

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Adopt a Growth Mindset:

Embrace the concept of personal growth and resilience. Practicing a growth mindset involves adopting a belief system that embraces the idea of continuous learning, growth, and development. With a growth mindset, challenges and setbacks are seen as opportunities for growth and improvement rather than obstacles. This mindset encourages resilience, perseverance, and a willingness to step outside of comfort zones in pursuit of personal and professional growth. By viewing failures as learning experiences, and approaching life with curiosity and a desire to learn, individuals with a growth mindset are more likely to overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and find fulfillment. Practicing a growth mindset empowers individuals to embrace change, seek new experiences, and continuously evolve, leading to a greater sense of purpose, satisfaction, and happiness in life.

Be patient, kind, and committed to yourself as you navigate your own existence.

Meaningful growth often requires time, investment, and self-reflection. It can be uncomfortable to challenge ourselves, yet the relief and fulfillment often end up outweighing the pain of feeling stuck and discontent. Change on a systemic level also takes time, conflict, and cooperation. Know that even if you may not see a change in your lifetime, you may just create a ripple effect. “Blessed is he who plants trees under whose shade he will never sit.” -Hyacinthe Loyson

Often, we need support navigating through the trials of life. It can be overwhelming and debilitating, so having someone to help can be the push many need to achieve meaningful change and fulfillment. Luckily, our counselors here at Strive On would love to help support you through your therapy journey. 

Take Action! Start Therapy for Anxiety in Asheville, NC Today!

Our team of caring therapists would be happy to offer support with online and in-person support from Strive On Counseling. You can receive support to cope with your anxiety in healthier ways. If you’re ready to get started, follow these steps:

1. Contact Strive On Counseling

2. Meet with a caring therapist

3. Start overcoming anxiety symptoms!

Other Services Offered with Strive On Counseling 

As Asheville therapists, we understand that every individual has a unique set of mental health needs. This is why we are happy to offer many forms of therapy in addition to anxiety treatment. More specifically, our services include individual counseling, anxiety treatment, EMDR trauma therapy, therapy for men’s issues, mindfulness, Buddhist counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and online therapy. Some other resources we offer include guided meditations, supplements, a list of books and other useful resources, and online courses. If you would like more information about any of these services, please reach out today, and start doing therapy in North Carolina!