Lately, I’ve been doing my best to stay centered in the midst of chaos because of choices others in my household are making. By most people’s standards, the events are ‘serious’ and yet I sometimes find myself laughing at the absurdity of the need for humans to create so much drama in their lives.

I wonder if it’s more to feel more alive or to escape the pain. And, of course, there’s always addiction to drama and the ensuing adrenaline rush. While it’s likely a combination of all three, I believe addiction to drama is becoming more and more prevalent.

We’ve all read about daredevils who risk life and limb. Onlookers comment how they must have a ‘death wish’. I once read it is more of a life wish—in the midst of a ‘death defying’ feat, they become acutely aware of everything going on around them—feeling completely alive and present.

Adrenaline surges can be very beneficial in times of extreme duress or survival giving people complete presence of mind to run for their lives or lift cars off injured people. But, in everyday dramas, I observe the person often seems to be scattered, not even in their body or present at all—completely drawn out by external events.

The following is a quote from Who Are the Drama Queens In Your Life and How Do You React To Their Acts? “People addicted to drama are seeking that rush of adrenaline, or the thrill that the rush of energy brings them. For people that lead a very uninteresting or monotonous life, that rush of adrenaline helps them feel alive. It’s like a mother living her life through her children because her life has become mundane and flooded with boredom. Creating drama means stirring up the energy. Think of it as a thrill seeker trapped in a mundane life. Stirring up drama by creating family conflicts and blowing things out of proportion may be the only expression the thrill seeker has left.” You can read the entire article at http://healing.about.com/od/jodiefoster/a/dramaaddiction.htm

Solution: When drama happens and you find yourself getting drawn in, stop and assess what role you choose to play. Sometimes ‘tough love’ is necessary.

Healthier Choice: Remember all humans are the stars of their own lives and you can choose to be a co-star, part of the supporting cast, have a walk on part, direct or be in the audience. I choose the audience, it’s much more entertaining.

Tried and True Tip: B-r-e-a-t-h-e. Deep breathing is the best way to stay present in your body and not be drawn out by another’s energy field. Also, you may ask what lesson can I learn from this about myself. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and stay away from sugar and processed food which are additional stress on your body.