How to Stay Positive When the World Feels Like It’s Falling Apart

Let’s be real for a second—sometimes the world just feels like a giant mess. It’s like everywhere you look, there’s some new disaster, some new political chaos, or something else to stress about. And when it all piles up, it’s easy to feel like everything is spinning out of control.

I’ve felt that. We’ve all felt that. But here’s the thing: even when it seems like the world is falling apart, it’s still possible to stay positive. It doesn’t mean ignoring the chaos—it’s about finding little pockets of peace in the middle of it. Here’s what’s helped me:

1. You Can’t Fix Everything

First things first—let’s accept that we’re not superheroes. We can’t fix every single problem in the world, no matter how much we want to. But that’s okay. What we can control is how we react to it. Once you let go of trying to solve everything, it’s like a weight lifts off your shoulders. Instead of drowning in all that’s wrong, you start to focus on what’s right in front of you.

2. Look for the Little Joys

Even on the worst days, there’s always something small to smile about. For me, it might be something as simple as enjoying a really good cup of coffee or time spent with my kids. These little moments might not change the world, but they remind me that not everything is bad. They ground me, and sometimes, that’s all you need to get through the day.

3. Do Something—Even If It’s Small

You don’t have to start a movement or save the planet, but doing something can help you feel less powerless. Whether it’s volunteering, helping a neighbor, or just offering a kind word to someone who needs it, those little acts add up. And honestly, they make you feel like you’re contributing in your own way. It’s a way to push back against the chaos, even if it’s just a small nudge. Hey! Even a simple smile can go a long way.

4. Know When to Step Away

We live in a world where bad news is everywhere. It’s constant. And if you’re like me, you probably check the news or scroll through Social Media several times a day. Heck, if you have a phone, it’s always with you. It’s important to stay informed, sure, but it’s also important to set boundaries. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your mental health is to turn it all off for a while and focus on something that makes you feel good. Social Media detox anyone?

5. Lean on Your People

When everything feels like it’s falling apart, it helps to talk about it with people who get you. Friends, family, whoever you trust—don’t go through it alone. Sometimes, just saying out loud that you’re feeling overwhelmed can make things feel a little less heavy. And you know what? They probably need you just as much as you need them. It sounds cliché, I know, but we’re all in this together, after all.

6. Gratitude is Your Best Friend

Practicing gratitude works. When I’m feeling down, I try to think of a few things I’m grateful for, even if they seem insignificant. It doesn’t have to be huge—maybe it’s just that you made it through the day, or that the weather was nice. Focusing on what’s good helps balance out all the negativity that’s so easy to get sucked into.

7. Remember: Things Get Better

If history has taught us anything, it’s that tough times don’t last forever. We’ve been through so much chaos as a society before. We got through COVID for crying out loud! It’s easy to feel hopeless, but holding onto the belief that things can and will get better makes a difference. Life is a roller coaster. It might sound cheesy, but hope is a powerful thing.

8. Be Gentle with Yourself

Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to have bad days, or even bad weeks. Cut yourself some slack. Just remember to take care of yourself. Self-compassion is a game-changer—give yourself permission to feel what you’re feeling without judgment. You don’t have to have it all figured out.

The Bottom Line

The world might feel chaotic, but that doesn’t mean we have to lose our positivity. It’s about finding those small moments of peace and holding onto them. It’s about doing what we can, even if it’s tiny, and knowing that it’s enough. Most of all, it’s about keeping hope alive, even when everything feels like it’s going wrong.

Stay positive!