To say that this year has been a crapshoot is definitely an understatement. With a worldwide pandemic, an upcoming election, the murders of numerous POC by the police, and the possible ends of both TikTok and the USPS at the hands of President Trump, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.

If you’re feeling like you’ve lost complete control of everything happening around you, you’re not alone- we’re all freaked out. Since March, we’ve had to completely upturn the way we live our lives. Masks are now required, we can’t visit loved ones, meetings and classes are being conducted virtually, and hand sanitizer is obsessively hoarded.

So, with all of this going on, how are you supposed to stay grounded? Especially with school, work, and relationships on top of that.

Let me start by saying that it is all do-able. Personally, I work two jobs, am a full-time student, and do a solid handful of other things on the side. And it’s definitely not easy. Thinking about the state of our world and all of the things I have to do often leads me to a full-blown panic attack. But, despite that, staying sane is manageable.

In my experience, having a reliable, small group of friends can be incredibly helpful. Like people say, it’s about the quality, not the quantity of friends that you have. Having friends that you can vent to, express your feelings to, and be honest with is very important.

Taking a break every once in a while is also important so you don’t burnout. Maybe you like to work and keep yourself busy, but you still need to make time for yourself. Go for a walk, binge watch a new show, eat a whole tub of ice cream- do something that isn’t stressful or involved for once.

Also, take everything one day at a time. We really never know what’s going to happen tomorrow, so focus on the tasks at hand instead of stressing about the future.

If thinking about the state of our world really freaks you out, don’t listen to the news. Delete Twitter. And definitely delete Facebook.

Even if this shitstorm of a world seems to be tumbling down around you, focus on you. Do your work, attend your classes, and have fun. Of course, that’s all much easier said than done, but as someone who has done her fair share of freaking out, it helps. Despite all that’s happening, continue to live your life (safely, of course).