It is incredibly frustrating when things go wrong, and it can cause a lot of stress. What’s worse is, if you do not handle the situation with care, it can affect other aspects of your life, as well. That is why when things go the wrong way, you want to have a game plan and stick to it.
There are some straightforward ways to ensure things do not get worse before they are better. These principles apply to many areas of your life. So, they are great to know and remind yourself of frequently, especially if you are going through difficulties.
These things can also help if someone you care about is facing tough times. Knowing how to handle situations properly can help you change your perspective on things, as well, because things are usually not as bad as you think or feel.
What Could Go Wrong
Even if you have never experienced genuine difficulties in your life, tragedy can and probably will strike at some point. From an outsider’s point-of-view, it often seems like certain people live picture-perfect lives.
However, that is seldom the case. Instead, some people are just better at handling things than others. Some people keep problems to themselves while others take to social media to express themselves and search for advice.
The point is, you never know what challenges you could face, or what anyone else is dealing with behind closed doors. So, it is always best to prepare yourself ahead of time.
When things are not going according to your plan, it is essential to do some damage control as you do not want to make the situation any worse. You must remain focused. Many people jump ship as soon as something does not go their way. The problem with this is that your next endeavor might not go right either.
Things to Remember When Everything Goes Wrong
When everything seems to be falling apart, it is a good idea to remember a few things. Keeping certain things in mind almost helps you keep maintain a realistic viewpoint.
Things Will Get Better
Nothing ever stays terrible forever. Even the worst situations improve with diligence over time. It is essential to know that what you are currently experiencing is not necessarily what you will experience in the future.
You Are In Control Of The Way You React
You can choose to react negatively or positively to any set of circumstances. The way you respond will have an enormous impact on the outcome. Things going wrong does not reflect on you as a person. The way you react does, though.
Everyone Goes Through Difficulties
No one is immune to challenges. The things you experience will differ from other people. However, nothing goes right for everyone all the time.
Take Care of Yourself
It is always essential to take care of yourself. However, it is even more critical when you have stressful things going on. Not taking care of yourself can make everything seem a lot worse.
Plus, it can cause you to get sick, which will make it more challenging to do the things you need to do to improve your situation. Stress affects your immune system and can cause the following illnesses:
- Fever
- Common cold
- Heart disease
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Depression
- Headaches
- Obesity
It also makes the symptoms of many conditions worse, and prolonged stress over time is terrible for your overall health and well being. Furthermore, many people are less likely to take care of themselves when they are dealing with difficult issues because it is hard to get your mind off what is going on.
Get Enough Sleep
You need to find a way to get enough sleep. Staying up all night thinking about what is wrong will not help you. So, turn your phone on silent and stick to your regular bedtime or even try to go to bed a bit earlier.
You do not have to fix everything immediately. Resting will help you be in a state of mind that is more conducive to solving problems when you wake. Having a sound mind helps you to focus on precisely what you need to do to fix things more proactively.
Eat Right
Eating right when things go wrong is important. You get valuable nutrients that help your body fight off illnesses from eating a well-balanced diet. You can incorporate some of the following superfoods to help boost your brain and immune system:
- Brocolli
- Oranges
- Tumeric
- Garlic
- Yogurt
- Kiwi
- Papaya
Drink Enough Water
Drinking plenty of water daily helps to reduce many signs of stress. It also helps to reduce the stress hormone “cortisol,” and it helps regulates histamines, which are an immune response to allergies. While drinking water will not solve anything, it will help you feel better physically and mentally.
Address the Problem Head-On
The opposite reaction to constant worry is not addressing the things that are going wrong. Doing this makes most problems far worse. It is easy to put things off when you feel overwhelmed. However, at some time, you will have to face the music. So, it is better to work towards making things better than delaying the inevitable actively.
For example, if you do not have the money to pay a bill, the worst thing you can do is just ignore it. Many companies will work with you if you can pay a portion upfront. However, if you do not communicate with them and they cut off your services, you will incur late fees, disconnection fees, and possibly reconnection fees.
Additionally, if you have an issue with a friend or family member and fail to speak to them about it, you will likely become passive-aggressive. Overtime, reacting this way can cause significant strain on the relationship.
These are just two examples of how failing to handle a situation head-on can make things worse. Things never get better by brushing them aside. So, it is best to manage something as quickly and effectively as possible.
Stay Focused
Staying focused is important when things awry. However, this is one of the more difficult things to do. People tend to think about everything that is going wrong, which takes their attention away from doing something that will improve the situation.
It is not only crucial for you to focus on fixing the problems you are facing. There are other important tasks you will need to complete to prevent things from going wrong in other areas of your life. If you find that it is hard to focus, there are some things you can do to help, though.
Make a To-Do List
Making a list of everything you need to complete is a great way to make sure you do not forget something when you are stressed. It can also help you create a plan to make things better. Break down the things you need to accomplish into achievable steps. Then, simply cross them off as you go.
There are some mistakes to avoid when writing your list because the last thing you want is to make matters worse by derailing your progress. When you create your list, make sure you not only include the items you need to do but also include any necessary appointments or events you need to attend. Doing so will help ensure you do not miss anything, and that you have time to get everything done.
You want to leave trivial things off your list. Only focus on the most important tasks is more beneficial in times of crisis. Having a list that is way too long can be discouraging.
Prioritizing your list is also a good idea. Put the most important things at the top and tackle them in order, so if you run out of time, you will already have the most critical items done.
Making your list at night is also a good practice. That way, everything you needed to get done during the day is fresh on your mind, and you won’t forget essential tasks you need to do first thing in the morning. Doing that will also help you decide what time you need to be in bed to get enough sleep for the next day.
Eliminate Distractions
If you have a lot of distractions throughout the day, try to eliminate them so you can focus your efforts on what you have to accomplish. Doing that is easier said than done. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help. Take a look at the list below for some tips.
- Turn off smartphone notifications
- Put your ringer on silent
- Close your door
- Let people know you are unavailable for a while
- Turn on your out of office message
Studies show that distractions negatively impact your productivity. So, taking the measures above will help you to handle tasks more efficiently, which will help you address what is essential more quickly.
Keep Things Simple
Often, when things go wrong, it is difficult to come up with a clear plan to make them better. However, overthinking things or making things overly complicated is a pitfall that tends to make things worse. Keeping everything simple is a more proficient way to solve a problem.
Stick to a Plan
A lot of people ditch their plans as soon as things start to go wrong. When you decide to go in another direction too quickly, you are starting over, and your position could be worse in the end. If you stick it out, things might and probably will get better.
Of course, this is not always the case. So, it is crucial to evaluate the situation and to determine what the best action is to take.
Evaluate the Situation
It is a good idea to take the necessary time to evaluate your current situation before you make any life-changing decisions. If you need to make a change, it can wait a bit. So, stick with things until you are sure you are making the right choice.
Create a New Plan
If you decide you need to go in a different direction, it is essential to think through what you will do. Take all things into consideration. Doing this will help you to know for sure that making a change is the right choice at this point in your life.
Talk to Someone You Trust
Getting advice from another person is an excellent way to obtain an outside perspective on what is going on. However, you want to make sure the person you speak to is unbiased, especially if you are having issues in a relationship.
When you speak to someone close to you about a partner, it often comes back to bite you in the end. When someone cares about you, it is easy for them to let their feelings for you get in the way of their opinion about the other person. They may even want to say something to the other party or tell you to leave them. If you do not leave, it might cause tension, which is not what you need when things are already going wrong.
So many people create a lot more stress in their lives because they tell their marital problems to family members. A situation that could be worked out suddenly becomes even worse, because they are putting pressure on you to take their advice. Or, after you talk to them, you work things out with your partner, but the people who love you are still angry at that person for hurting you, which makes family gatherings uncomfortable.
You also need to be careful who you speak to when you have other issues. You want to make sure the person is not going to be judgmental if you are going through something with which they cannot relate. It is natural to want to speak to someone when you are going through a tough time. However, the person you confide in needs to be qualified to help you.
A Financial Advisor
A financial advisor is a great person to speak to if you are having money problems. They can help you come up with ways to consolidate debt. They are also able to help you create a plan for your financial future. So, if you need help dealing with money problems, this might be an excellent place to turn.
A Therapist
Psychologists and psychiatrists are well versed in dealing with severe problems. They know how to listen without judging you. Furthermore, they realize there are always two sides to every story, and they typically keep that in mind. It is okay to try several before you settle on one. Find someone that you can work well with and who you feel comfortable confiding in about what you are experiencing.
A Religious Leader
If you are a member of a church, you can often speak to a priest or pastor who might be able to help. You should not be afraid to talk to church officials because chances are, they have dealt with people who faced a similar situation.
These people are often a lot less judgmental than you may think. Plus, you can discuss your issues candidly with them without worrying that they are going to bring it up in your daily life or hold your problems against you.
A Lawyer
If you are facing some sort of legal issue, a lawyer might be able to assist you. Of course, lawyers typically charge for their services. However, some will consult with you for a nominal fee before you sign an agreement for them to represent you in a legal matter.
A Crisis Hotline
When you are facing a genuinely challenging time, the crisis prevention hotline is an option. The individuals who field calls undergo training to help people who are in a time of need. There are several types of hotlines you can contact, depending on what you are facing.
A Mechanic
When you have an issue with your car, it is often really overwhelming. The good news is, there is help available. Before panicking, you can try searching for answers to your car related problem on a mechanic website. You can also bring your vehicle to many auto parts stores to have a free diagnostic test done.
If you are stuck on the side of the road somewhere, you should check with your insurance company to see if roadside assistance is included in your insurance plan. Many plans now offer roadside assistance, yet a lot of people are not aware that they have access to these services.
Employment Agencies
When you are looking for a job, an employment agency is an excellent place to turn. These companies have experience finding jobs in many fields. Furthermore, they usually have a list of clients that are looking for temps. So, if you need a job right away, they can help you find something fast and then assist you in finding something that is more permanent while you are working.
Staffing agencies also offer benefits for certain temp and contract employees. So, if you need medical insurance, they might be able to provide that for you. These companies also get you paid pretty quickly, so you will not fall behind on paying important bills.
A Parenting Group
If you need advice on parenting, an online community is a great place to gather information. You can post a question, and other people will have the opportunity to respond and tell you what has or has not worked for them.
You might get some unwanted advice because these people are not experts. You do not have to see any of these people, though. So, it is easier to ignore any opinions you do not agree with completely.
Online Support Groups
Parenting advice is not the only assistance you can get from online groups. There are support groups online for nearly anything. Whether you are having problems with a co-worker, medical issues, or anything in between, there is a support group with people who are willing to help.
Get Your Mind Off What Is Wrong
You indeed need to address any pressing problems that you have swiftly, but you also need to be able to get your mind off of difficulties. Dwelling on an issue constantly is not helpful or productive. So, it is a good idea to take at least some time to clear your head. Doing this might be easier said than done, though. Often, taking a break from the issue will help you address them more efficiently.
Focus On What Is Going Right
Focusing on what is going right in your life is always a good idea. It can help you see that things are not as bad as they seem. Plus, seeing all the positive aspects gives you the motivation to push through the challenges.
Listen to Music
Music can be very beneficial for your mental health. If you have been thinking about something and just need to relax for a bit, put on your favorite genre of music. In no time, you will feel better. Your improved mood will help you tackle things with an open mind.
Exercise/Go for a Walk
Exercise is always an excellent way to relieve stress. When you engage in physical activity, it reduces hormones associated with stress like cortisol and adrenaline. These two hormones wreak havoc on your body and mental state, which is not what you need when things go wrong.
You can also take a walk to “clear your head.” Walking allows you to experience quiet while you are exercising. It is the perfect activity if you need to have a few minutes of peace because it offers several substantial benefits.
Read a Book
Few people sit down and read a book these days. However, reading is very relaxing. Even if the book just puts you to sleep, you will succeed in getting your mind off what is wrong. Also, you might turn to a book for assistance in solving a difficulty you are facing.
There are books on nearly any topic. So, you are sure to find one from a reputable professional at your local library or bookstore that offers valuable insight.
Stay Calm
A lot of people lose it when things do not go as planned. Doing that will only make things worse. For example, if you are fighting with someone and you start yelling and screaming at them, you will cause the problem to escalate. You might even damage the relationship beyond repair. Likewise, if you lose your temper at work over office politics, you might end up with no job, which will make things more stressful.
For those reasons, it is better to remain calm, relaxed, and collect. Controlling your emotions might be difficult, but it is not impossible. By staying calm under pressure, you will be able to address any issues you have without causing more.
Meditate
Meditation is a great way to calm your nerves, and it is easier than you might think. One of the most powerful meditations is relatively easy, with a little bit of practice. It merely involves focusing on the gap between your thoughts. That is it; just sit in silence and try not to think about anything. At first, this is rather difficult, but as you practice this meditation, it will get easier and easier.
The peace you find in this place is the best way to remain calm. All of a sudden, your racing thoughts will slow down, and you will be able to make decisions more clearly. You can do this almost anywhere, and you do not have to do it for an extended period to enjoy the benefits. Just a few seconds in the gap will calm you down.
Repeat Positive Affirmations
Affirmations are just positive sayings that help you to improve your outlook. You can create these statements about anything. However, you want to be mindful of the affirmations you repeat to yourself. Eliminate any negativity. Below are some examples of affirmations you can use when things go wrong or daily:
- I am financially secure.
- I am living a fulfilling life.
- My marriage and family life is happy and healthy.
- I have everything I need.
- I am capable of overcoming any challenge with ease.
The great part about these positive affirmations is that you can create them when you need them to fit any set of circumstances. You can search online for ideas or make your own up.
Final Thoughts
When things go wrong, it can genuinely be disparaging. However, it is a great time to learn from your mistakes and do things better in the future. Challenges are not permanent. You can overcome anything. Some of the most successful people faced unimaginable adversity on their road to the top. The way they dealt with their failures is what made them so successful.
It’s important that you know that every situation is an opportunity for growth. You can always come out better than before. No matter what you go through, be true to yourself, and treat yourself and others kindly.