Managing Anxiety When Everything Feels Like It’s Falling Apart

Let’s be honest—if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world, that’s not a you problem, that’s a being alive right now problem. Between endless breaking news, existential crises, and the general chaos of being a human, anxiety is pretty much the default setting these days.

So, how do we cope without totally losing it?

Here are some unconventional ways to help regulate your nervous system when the world feels too much:

1. Create an “Emergency Calm” Kit

Think of it like a first-aid kit but for your mental health.
Fill it with things that ground you—your favorite tea, a playlist of comforting songs, a journal, a stress ball, or even a letter to yourself reminding you that you’ve survived every hard day so far.

2. Give Yourself a Media Detox

We’re not built to process this much global distress 24/7.
Try:

• A full news detox for 24-48 hours (yes, the world will keep spinning without you).

• Curating your social media feeds to include more joy and fewer stress triggers.

• Swapping doom-scrolling for reading, crafting, or literally staring at a blank wall—whatever helps you reset.

3. Turn Anxiety into Action

Feeling helpless fuels anxiety. Instead of spiraling, ask yourself: What small thing can I do?

• Donate to a cause you care about.

• Support local businesses.

• Write a letter to a representative (or at least yell into the void in a more constructive way).

4. Use “Sensory Anchors”

When your brain is racing, your body can help bring you back to the present. Try:

• Holding something cold (an ice cube, a frozen orange) to snap out of spiraling thoughts.

• Using a grounding exercise: Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste.

• Breathing exercises (because, shocker, oxygen helps).

5. Laugh, Because Otherwise You’ll Cry

Seriously—watch a stupid comedy, read ridiculous memes, FaceTime that friend who makes you laugh until you snort. Humor won’t fix everything, but it helps shift your nervous system from panic to 'okay, maybe I won’t implode today.'

The world is heavy, but you don’t have to carry all of it alone. Focus on what’s in your power, take care of your nervous system, and for the love of all things good—give yourself a break.

Need more tools? My YouTube channel is coming soon with videos breaking all this down in an easy, actionable way. Subscribe here so you don’t miss out.

Stay grounded (or at least mildly functional),

Rachelle