HOW TO MAINTAIN A SENSE OF LIFE CONTROL

Mrs Ganiyu lived in the bustling city of Lagos. She was hardworking and diligent known for her unwavering determination. But Lagos was a city that never slept, and Mrs Ganiyu often found herself caught in its whirlwind—juggling her work, family responsibilities, and other responsibilities.

One evening, after a particularly exhausting day, Mrs Ganiyu sat on the balcony of her apartment, staring out at the sea of lights that was Lagos at night. She felt overwhelmed, as if her life were spiraling out of control. The constant demands were taking their toll, and she longed for a way to regain her balance.

The next day, Mrs Ganiyu visited her friend, Mama Ngozi, who lived few streets from her. Mama Ngozi was wise and had this sense of calmness about her that always comforted Mrs Ganiyu. She also seemed like she was in complete control of her life. As they sat together under the shade of a large mango tree in Mama Ngozi's compound, she poured out her heart, expressing her fears and frustrations.

Mama Ngozi's listened carefully. After she had poured out her heart, Mama Ngozi brought out her phone and clicked a page on her browser. Healthyish blog popped up and she handed the phone to Mrs Ganiyu. Mrs Ganiyu took the phone and read the article titled 'What to do when it feels like your life is spiraling out of control' carefully. 

'This article is really enlightening. I will definitely practice all that I have read. Thank you so much, my friend' she said. 

One day, as she sat on her balcony, watching the sunset over the Lagos skyline, Adaora smiled to herself. She had learned that maintaining control over her life did not mean managing every detail, but rather, making thoughtful choices and knowing when to ask for help. With these lessons, she knew she could face whatever challenges came her way.

It is easy to feel like life is spiraling out of control due to the fast-paced life we live. Balancing work, life and other responsibilities can be overwhelming and daunting, making one lose a sense of control. This loss of control triggers certain emotions such as anxiety, sadness, frustration, and anger. These emotions can in turn affect one's physical health negatively. It is therefore, important to maintain a sense of life's control even when life is overwhelming to avoid being encumbered by physical and mental health problems. 

1. Prioritize what matters: To maintain a sense of control over your life, you need to prioritize what matters to you. Identify your core values, goals and priorities. This enables you to make more informed decisions and allocate your time and energy to areas that align with your values, thereby, creating a sense of control over your life.

2. Set realistic goals: Maintaining a sense of control over one's life involves maintaining a sense of direction and purpose. Setting realistic goals helps you to maintain a sense of direction and purpose. Those goals should be brokeninto smaller and manageable tasks. This reinforces your beliefs in your ability to control your life's trajectory.

3. Be flexible: Setting realistic goals is important, however, life is unpredictable and can change rapidly. Being rigid can lead to frustration when things do not go as expected. This can lead to an imbalance in the trajectory of one's life. Having a flexible mindset allows you to go through life's uncertainties with a modicum of control even when things are overwhelming.

4. Establish routines: Routines provide structure, and structure creates a sense of stability. Creating daily routines can reduce the number of decisions you need to make each day giving you a sense of control over your life especially during chaotic times. 

5. Manage Stress Proactively: Stress is inevitable, but how you manage it can make all the difference in maintaining a sense of control. Engage in activities that reduce stress, such as regular exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. 

6. Have a Support Network: You don’t have to navigate life alone. Building and maintaining a strong support network provides emotional and practical assistance when you need it most. Surround yourself with people who encourage and uplift you. Whether it’s family, friends, or a professional community, having a network you can rely on helps you feel more secure and in control.

7. Reflect and Reassess Regularly: Life is changing, and so are our needs and goals. Take time to reflect on your progress regularly. Assess what is working, what is not, and adjust accordingly. This ongoing self-evaluation helps you stay aligned with your priorities and gives you a greater sense of control as you actively shape your life rather than passively reacting to it.

8. Limit Exposure to Negative Influences: In today’s digital age, we are bombarded with information—much of it negative. News, social media, and even certain relationships can contribute to feelings of helplessness or anxiety. Limit your exposure to these influences by setting boundaries, such as reducing screen time or curating your news sources. Surround yourself with positive, constructive content that reinforces your sense of agency and well-being.

9. Celebrate Small Wins: Finally, do not forget to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Acknowledging your progress reinforces the belief that you are in control of your life. These celebrations can be as simple as treating yourself to something nice or taking a moment to appreciate your hard work. Recognizing your successes keeps you motivated and reminds you of your capability to steer your life in the direction you desire.

Maintaining a sense of control in life is not about ending challenges or uncertainties, but rather about managing your response to them. Remember, control comes from within—it is about cultivating the mindset and habits that allow you to navigate life with confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose

NB We are bio individuals which is to say not all size fits all. Prioritizing yourself and your journey with the support and guidance of a health coach will further help in your progress and such a person would be able to get detailed information about themselves that could facilitate results.