Finding Calm in Uncertain Times
A lot is happening in the world right now. Syria is experiencing a major change in government, the wars in Gaza and Ukraine are dragging on, there is about to be a new Congress and a new Presidential Administration in the United States and the old Congress can’t agree on how to keep the government open. Oh, and of course it is the holidays.
Some of these things might be causing more anxiety than others. For example, you could be hopeful about the new Presidential Administration but concerned about a shutdown. Or you could be so stressed about the holidays that you don’t have the mental bandwidth to focus on the rest of the world.
With so much uncertainty, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. We know the havoc such events can create on those living with anxiety disorders. And we have some tips that have worked for us.
Turn off or limit the news.
Limit or log off of social media.
Reconnect with friends and loved ones.
Practice self-care.
1 - Limit the News: We all want to stay informed about world events. For some legal professionals, it might be essential to their job. However, that can be done within limits. Much of our 24-hour news cycle is repetitive. Pick 10 or 15 minutes a day to devote to news and tune it out the rest of the day. Or turn it off altogether!
2 - Limit Social Media: Social media is a gift and a curse. It is a great way to stay connected with friends and loved ones (see #3), but it can also expose you to an overload of world events or, worse, to an overload of people’s toxic opinions about the news. You can set time aside to catch up on social media or turn it off and reconnect with others the old-fashioned way.
3 - Reconnect with Friends and Loved Ones: This one, like social media, can be a gift or a curse. Family can be rejuvenating or anxiety-inducing, or both. But reconnecting with important people can include your chosen family, not just the one you are born into. Additionally, you have control over how you reconnect. Practicing healthy boundaries can help this be more positive than stressful.
4 - Practice Self-Care: What is happening in the world is important, but not more important than you. You matter. If you are struggling, reconnect with yourself and the self-care practices that give you joy. And if you are struggling with this, know that support is available.
It can be challenging for the best of us to stay grounded amid such uncertainty in the world. Yet you don’t have to face the uncertainty alone because you are not alone. Furthermore, know that while you may not be able to control the constant chaos in Congress, you can control your environment in a way that more positively fosters your mental health.