Stop the frenzy! How to make order out of chaos in your life

Some of us thrive on drama and spontaneity—others prefer routines and well-thought-out game plans. The rest of us are somewhere in between. What we all have in common, however, is that all those balls we’re trying to keep up in the air invariably come tumbling down some time.

So, when the balls come crashing down, how do we avoid being knocked unconscious and overrun with the ensuing chaos? Well, there’s a way to prevent yourself from spinning into frenzy or letting the chaos control your actions. Here’s what to do:

Get grounded physically: Stop what you’re doing and thinking, and ground yourself. Literally, put both feet on the ground, your hands at your sides or on your knees. Take a slow, deep breath. In this posture, slowly breathe in and out for a minimum of 10 seconds. This time-out will help you mentally break the cycle of chaos and allow you to reorient your thinking and your actions.

Get grounded mentally: Focus on your vision or desired goals. This will aid you in making sound decisions. Then, identify actions that will help you reach your goals and fulfill your commitments. Keep it manageable by listing only the top three goals, for starters.