Finding Calm After Chaos
Over the past month, Nepal has experienced a wave of change unlike anything in recent memory. From nationwide protests that left deep emotional and physical scars, to a dramatic political shift, devastating floods and landslides, and the celebrations of our biggest festivals—Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath—life has demanded constant adjustment. For many, this period has been filled with uncertainty, loss, fear, and disruption. These events have touched nearly every aspect of our lives—our routines, our sense of safety, our hopes for the future, and our emotional well-being.
Such rapid changes and ongoing stressors inevitably affect mental health. The collective trauma from protests, the grief of losing loved ones, the anxiety of living through political instability, and the distress caused by natural disasters can leave lasting emotional imprints. Even after the streets quiet down and the skies clear, many people continue to feel unsettled, anxious, or exhausted. The mind often takes longer to recover than the world around us appears to.
On top of that, as the festive season concludes, many are now transitioning back to work or studies after weeks of celebration. While festivals bring joy and connection, returning to daily responsibilities can be unexpectedly difficult. Shifting from the rhythm of festivities to structured work can feel draining—especially when layered on top of the emotional weight of recent national events.
If you’ve found yourself feeling unusually tired, irritable, or anxious lately, you’re not alone. These feelings are valid responses to prolonged stress and emotional overwhelm. Understanding this is an important first step toward healing. Here are some small but meaningful steps you can take to care for yourself during this period of transition and uncertainty.
First, allow yourself to process what you’ve experienced.
It’s natural to want to move on quickly, but acknowledging your emotions—whether fear, sadness, or frustration—helps prevent them from building up internally. Journaling, talking with someone you trust, or simply naming your emotions can be grounding.
Second, rebuild the structure gently.
After weeks of unpredictability, small routines can restore a sense of stability. Try to wake up and go to bed at consistent times, eat balanced meals, and take short breaks during work. Even simple habits signal safety and control to the brain, reducing anxiety.
Third, limit exposure to distressing news.
Staying informed is important, but continuous updates about political changes or disasters can intensify stress. Choose specific times to check the news and balance it with uplifting or neutral content.
Fourth, reconnect socially
But at your own pace. Spending time with supportive friends or family can foster comfort and reassurance, yet it’s okay if you need quiet moments too. Emotional recovery looks different for everyone.
Finally, care for your body as much as your mind.
Regular movement, proper rest, hydration, and mindful breathing are powerful tools for emotional regulation. The mind and body are deeply connected; nurturing one helps heal the other.
These practices may seem simple, but consistency matters. They help calm the nervous system, improve focus, and restore emotional balance over time. Healing after upheaval is not about erasing the pain but about finding new steadiness within it.
At Happy Minds, we understand that adapting to constant change—whether in your environment, relationships, or work—can feel overwhelming. You do not have to navigate it alone. If you are struggling to process recent events, feeling anxious about the future, or finding it difficult to return to your regular rhythm, we are here to support you.
You can reach out to Happy Minds for a confidential counselling session to explore your thoughts, emotions, and coping strategies in a safe and supportive space.
📞 Contact us at +977 9801031443 to book a session and take your first step toward balance and well-being.
Author: Karmendra Prakash Shrestha