Back to Basics – How to Deal with a Life Crisis

Any kind of life crisis can be an overwhelming and disorienting experience.
When crisis occurs, it’s time to get back to basics. Whether the crisis is happening inside (like identity, health, trauma, existential) or on the outside (financial, loss, unexpected surprises) – what matters most during these times is what you do to arm yourself.

Here are some foundational ideas for how to deal with a life crisis.

Simplify.

Crisis can be overwhelming, and the more you have on your plate the harder is will be to restore balance. What is unnecessary that can be cut out? What are you giving your time and energy to that you could do without? When answering this question, be honest with yourself. There may be certain goals that will need to wait until the crisis has passed and your are stabilised. You may need to slow down and get back to basics of daily life. What’s the most simple and nurturing lifestyle that you can organise a the moment? Think short thoughts about the present moment. Be here, now, simple short and sweet.

Purify.

What kind of “noise” or “chaos” doesn’t belong? What kind of extra weight are you adding on that doesn’t need to be? Can you stop watching certain shows, having certain foods or drinks, gossip? Don’t take on extra strain, but please do not make drastic changes. Do what feels good, and use “simplify” to guide purify.

Reconnect.

Go within and ask for energy and consciousness from your original authentic being. Trust yourself, you can do this.

Reconnect with your true self. It’s sometimes the growing gap between your awareness and your true self that can trigger a crisis. This step can be supported by a trusted person who can provide you with feedback, support, and help you to ground.

Nourish.

What are you missing that you need? This can be food, rest, exercise, more creative expression, time alone, time with friends, time with animals, routine, less routine. The answer will be different for everyone. Drink loads of water, and you may even seek out a nutritionist to advice you on supporting your body to heal and strengthen from stress.

Self-Responsibility.

You can handle this. You don’t have to do it alone, but you do need to identify where you need help and come from the place of being willing and able to solve whatever the challenge may be. Take full responsibility for your thoughts, emotions, and actions. Nothing more.

Evaluation.

What is working in your life and what is not working. This can be a time of weeding out the activities, habits, thoughts, relationships, etc…that do not help you at this time.

Creation.

This step will come naturally as a result of doing the above. By making simple and small shifts you will see that inner life and outer life will begin to transform. Take it slow, get support where you need it, and keep it simple.