What’s Happening In The World
How are you holding up? With the state of affairs in the world, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, sad, or confused.
It’s not easy being human these days, is it?
As you’re navigating through the news cycle in the days and months to come, I want to give you a gentle reminder to give yourself permission to do just one thing: show up as you’re able.
No two people will cope with these events the same.
It’s ok if you’re not sure what to do or how to feel. (Me too.)
It’s ok if you need to take a moment to pause and gather yourself.
There isn’t one right way to show care and concern, and you don’t have you prove to anyone how much you care.
Here are some things that I’m telling myself right now:
-It’s okay to be silent and it’s okay to feel fear. You can demonstrate your feelings publicly or feel them privately.
-Just because you’re in the role of “helper” (my fellow therapists, I’m especially talking to you) - remember that you are allowed to have messy feelings too. Be mindful about your capacity to make space for others and be sure to protect your own needs for space and care.
-Focus your energy on finding the people and places that charge your batteries and give you peace and rest.
A few other thoughts about coping right now:
-If you’re been relying on distractions to feel more okay: remember seeking comfort in distractions doesn’t make you a bad person. It’s an understandable way to cope with unimaginable feelings. Give yourself permission to see friends, laugh at silly things on social media, or watch a funny movie.
-If you’ve been glued to the news: remember turning off the news can be a form of self-care. Constant exposure to stressful news can tax your nervous system and lead to all sorts of additional difficulties such as insomnia, headaches, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Try to limit your consumption to the essentials - perhaps just 15 minutes of news per day or every few days.
-If you’re feeling a lot of unrest in your spirit: look for the small things that give you moments of peace. Stepping away to play with your child or pet, baking your favorite cookie, or going for a walk.
-If you’re trying to act like everything is normal: remember most people need more rest than they think they do, even more so when dealing with stress. Give yourself permission to slow down and expect less from yourself at this time.
-If you’re feeling alone, frozen, or stuck: Connection and synchronized movement with other humans is one of the most healing things we can do. Dance, yoga, or workout classes can be especially powerful.
-If you’re feeling consumed by the fear of the future or the threats the world is facing: you can try calming your nervous system by taking a moment to think about the back of your head, the back of your neck, your upper and lower back, your sit bones, and the black of your legs all the way down to your ankles. This can help cognitively shift you to a less anxious state.
-If you feel helpless, focus on small acts of autonomy. Send check-in texts to your loved ones. If you have the financial means to help someone - do it. Bring treats to your neighbors. Delight people with your love. These small acts of kindness not only help you, then have a profound impact on the world around you and remind us that there is still so much goodness in the world.
-If someone asks you how you’re doing it’s okay to be honest and tell people how you are really doing, even if you’re not feeling “fine”. It’s also ok to say you’re “alright” if you’re not up for talking about your feelings.
-Acknowledge the many “layers” (good, bad, and everything in between) of your unique human experience right now. (Ukraine, the pandemic, work, school, relationship things, family things, health things). If it feels like a lot, try listing them on paper so they feel more concrete and aren’t just floating in your head.
-Joy is medicine for most of what we are dealing with right now. Make an effort to find it and create moments for it as much as you’re able.
These are just a few of the things on my mind right now. Sending love to everyone, everywhere and hoping your spirit finds comfort and peace.
BTW, my mission is help people love their lives so they never want to leave them.
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