Coping When Things Feel Unstable
We’re living through WW3 right now. Call it what you want, but I’m declaring it for myself. Many people feel scared, angry, exhausted, or numb. That reaction is human. In my last post, I wrote about staying informed without getting swallowed by the scroll. This is the follow-up. It’s what people are doing after they put the phone down.
A quick check-in
Recently, I did a quick poll in one of my classes. I asked a simple question: what does self-care look like for you right now? The answers were honest, and they fell into two broad categories. Some people cope by turning inward. Others cope by turning outward. Neither is “better.” They’re just different strategies for different nervous systems.
When you go inward
Turning inward means tending to your body and your immediate life. Some students shared that they’re focusing on basics like sleep, food, movement, medication routines, therapy, prayer or meditation, time with loved ones, and limiting news consumption. They’re trying to build calm from the inside out. That might look like calling a friend, staying off social media at night, taking a long walk, cleaning your space, or keeping your schedule simple. When the world feels chaotic, stabilizing your daily routine can help you feel less powerless.
When you go outward
Turning outward is a different kind of coping. Some people shared that they feel calmer when they take action. They don’t want to only “process” what’s happening. They want to prepare, protect, and participate. For some, that means learning practical skills like self-defense training, building basic preparedness habits, or making a safety plan with loved ones. A safety plan can be simple. How you’ll check in with each other. Where you’ll meet if phones go down. What you’ll do in an emergency. Who’s responsible for what. Taking action can reduce anxiety by giving your brain evidence that you’re not helpless.
Action in the real world
Others spoke about civic action. That can include joining community groups, participating in peaceful demonstrations, or using your dollars with intention. People forget this part. Your money is a form of speech. Again, boycotts can be powerful. Again, supporting a business can be powerful too. You can choose where you spend, what you subscribe to, and what you stop funding. That’s a real form of influence, even when bigger systems move slowly.
Keep it simple
If you do well with turning inward, start small. Pick one daily habit that helps you stay regulated. If you do well with turning outward, pick one practical action that helps you feel prepared or connected. The point isn’t to do everything. The point is to choose one lane that fits you, then repeat it.
Support helps
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, therapy can help you sort out what your nervous system needs right now and build a plan that’s realistic. You don’t have to carry this alone.