Photo by Andrew Neel
When life gets overwhelming, it’s easy to feel lost—like everything’s spinning out of control, and you’re just trying to find your footing. Confusion can leave you feeling scattered and anxious, whether it’s brought on by stress, intense emotions, or even something physical. Figuring out what’s causing those moments of confusion can help you feel more steady and in control.
According to Healthline, confusion is often linked to issues such as fatigue, neurological conditions, mental health challenges, or traumatic experiences. Knowing how to respond during these times is essential to regain control and stability. Here are some key things you should know when faced with confusion.
Identify the Cause
The first step to finding clarity is recognizing what might be causing your confusion. Sometimes it’s something physical—like being dehydrated, not getting enough sleep, or a side effect of medication. Other times, it could be tied to mental health struggles like anxiety or depression.
If the confusion lingers or you start noticing other signs—like memory issues or difficulty speaking—it’s a good idea to reach out to a doctor.
Tip: Keep a simple symptom journal. Jot down when the confusion happened and what might have led up to it. These notes can give your doctor valuable clues and help them get to the bottom of what’s going on.
Stay Grounded
When confusion hits, it’s important to bring yourself back to the present moment. Simple grounding techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or focusing on your senses can help you feel more connected and in control—especially if anxiety is behind the confusion. Try This:
Breathe deeply and slowly five times.
Examine your surroundings and take note of:
Five items are visible
Four touchable objects
You can hear three things.
You can smell two things.
One item that you can taste
Repeat the technique until you feel more at ease and rooted, taking your time with each step.
Take your time with each step, and repeat the exercise until you feel calmer and more grounded.
Reach Out for Support
You’re not meant to handle everything on your own. Suppose you’re feeling overwhelmed or disoriented; lean on friends or family you trust. Sometimes, just hearing someone else’s perspective can help you find clarity.
Don’t hesitate to seek professional help, too. A counselor or therapist may guide you through difficult times and assist you in developing useful coping mechanisms to feel more stable and in control.
Rest and Replenish
Mental fatigue and physical exhaustion are major contributors to confusion. Prioritize rest and self-care to give your brain the time it needs to recover and process information. Sleep is particularly crucial—poor quality sleep can lead to cognitive impairment and confusion.
Healthline emphasizes the importance of nutrition and hydration as well. To promote the best possible brain function, eat a healthy, balanced diet and stay hydrated all day.
Accept Narratives of Fortitude and Change
Sometimes the stories we hear contain the answers we’re looking for. Fiction has the ability to inspire us greatly by offering new viewpoints and helping us navigate uncertain times.
Annette Candelaria R.’s novel Silver Eyes: A Journey in My Dreams, and I Will Live Another Life is one such story.
This mesmerizing tale follows Liandra, a woman who wakes up to find herself in an unfamiliar world. At first, she is lost and disoriented—her daughter, Isa, calls for her, but Liandra does not respond, trapped in a state of confusion.
Liandra’s story serves as a reminder that amazing adventures frequently start with uncertainty. Like everything in life, things that initially appear obscure can lead to growth and new opportunities.
Amazing adventures often begin with uncertainty, as Liandra’s story reminds us. Things that seem insignificant at first can lead to development and new chances, just like everything else in life.
Trust the process.
During times of confusion, it’s easy to feel untethered. But trust the process. Uncertainty tends to be a fleeting state, and even in its more persistent form, it is the harbinger of change. Take this time as an invitation — to hit pause, to redirect, to realign to your core values.
As unsettling as it is, confusion is a normal experience for humans. If you can understand where this all comes from and how to work with it, you can turn these uncertain times into good earth to be planted in and take that growth into a new season. Follow Liandra’s journey in Silver Eyes: A Journey in My Dreams, and I Will Live Another Life, and witness how embracing and navigating uncertainty can lead to resilience, purpose, and the dawn of new beginnings.
