“When you think your life is falling apart, it’s usually falling together in disguise.” – Charlotte Eriksson

Life can get overwhelming. The world can throw so many things at us, and often times it can feel like everything is crumbling around us. Jobs, money, family, friends – all these things can contribute to the stress of life. When problems and new challenges arise, it may feel like life is throwing more at us than we can possibly, conceivably handle.

Sometimes, that may be true. But being able to slow down and assess every new situation will make all the hardships in your life shift into a new perspective. When it feels like your whole world is falling apart, you have to learn how to stop, assess, and evaluate.

Here are all the things you need to remember when everything is falling apart:

1. THIS PAIN IS TEMPORARY

No matter what you’re going through right now, whether it be money troubles, family problems or an emotional break up, remember that the pain you’re feeling is only temporary. It will not last forever. It may not even last the rest of the day. If you’re able to remember that there was a time where you weren’t feeling emotional pain, you’ll be able to more easily handle it now, instead of becoming overwhelmed.

2. WORRY LESS

Worrying only causes anxiety and makes focusing on what needs to be done harder. If you find yourself worrying over something that you can do nothing about, try to focus on the steps that need to be taken to fix whatever problem or challenge has arisen. If you’ve lost your job, worrying about how you’re going to pay your bills is not going to put more money in your bank account. Instead of worrying, make a plan on how to move forward. Put positive energy forward and don’t let yourself get weighed down by negativity.

3. OTHER PEOPLE’S PROBLEMS ARE NOT YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

While your own life feels overwhelmed with issues, you need to remember to take a step back from trying to shoulder the weight of other people’s problems as well. Being open and available to help others when they need it is a good and positive quality. However, you need to make sure that you’re asserting boundaries and not allowing other people’s problems to become your responsibility on top of your own.

4. JUST KEEP MOVING FORWARD

When your life feels like it’s falling apart, the only possible direction is to move forward. Even when it feels impossible, you need to remember that it’s okay to get back up and keep trying. One failure or bump in the road doesn’t mean that all your plans should be derailed. Life can be tough, but you are stronger than the challenges that life throws at you.

keep going

5. DO WHAT YOU’RE AFRAID TO DO

If your life feels like it’s in shambles and that you’re stuck in this situation, maybe the only way to move forward is to do exactly what you’re too scared to do. Being afraid of change is natural, but being too afraid to actually change can hold you back. Even if it feels impossible, take a deep breath and leap. You’ll be surprised how often you land on your feet.

6. IT’S OKAY TO CRY

Bottling up how you feel, especially when those feelings seem enormous, can cause more stress and anxiety than good. Sometimes, it’s okay to cry when you need to. When things go wrong, or when grief becomes overwhelming, it’s natural to want to cry. Giving into your emotions doesn’t make you weak. Often, you’ll find that after you let yourself have a good cry, you’ll be more clear-headed and be able to take the next logical step forward in your journey.

7. PRACTICE GRATITUDE

When things are falling apart, it can be hard to see all the things in your life that aren’t going wrong. Take a moment to think about the things in your life that are stable, and that you’re grateful for. Being able to think positively will help you put your problems into perspective. If you’ve lost your job, be grateful for a supportive network of family and friends. If you’re having family troubles, take time to appreciate your significant other.

8. YOU HAVE POWER OVER YOUR LIFE

Even though it may not seem like it at times, you are not being controlled by the stars. You have an amazing about of influence and control over your own life, even when everything feels like it’s out of your hands. If everything feels like it’s starting to become too overwhelming, you have the power to make a change.

9. EVERYONE HAS PROBLEMS

Sometimes, it’s nice to know that you’re not the only one who is going through challenges. Remembering that there are people who have weathered the same storms as you can give you strength to keep moving forward. You can find community, validation and solidarity with other people who are going through the same challenges as you.

10. LOOK FOR THE GOOD IN EVERY SITUATION

When life is crumbling around you, it can be hard to continue to see the optimistic side of a situation. Try to look for the silver lining in everything. If you’re going through a bad break up, try to see it as a new opportunity to find your soulmate. When you lose your job, see it as a change to begin your life anew with a career you love. Don’t allow yourself to be bogged down with pessimism. A positive outlook can completely transform your situation.

11. TAKE TIME TO PRAY

Or, if you don’t pray, you can take a moment out of your day to focus on your positive energy. This can double as a moment to re-center yourself so that all that you’re experiencing doesn’t completely overwhelm you. You’ll be surprised how much calmer and focused you feel after forcing yourself to take a minute to focus on all of the positive energy around you and inside of you.