Just stop and take a breath. Let the world keep spinning.
Our constant exposure to negative information has a way of inspiring near-constant dread and you know what? Distressing news continually filters to the top of our feeds, phones and TVs. In fact, they make the headlines. All the time. Murder, shootings, theft, terrorism, the covid-19 cycle which seem endless, inflation, economic crunch and so on.
Yet there is the need to to stay informed on current events even if the news is a source of stress. More people get roped into the ‘crazy world’, become victims of stress and unfortunately suffer for long without knowing, acknowledging and then looking for a solution.
IBIENE in a bid to ensure people enjoy even the little things of life puts together some tips on managing your emotion even when the world is running frantically nonstop. You don’t have to let these external factors control your emotions, your thoughts, your life.
What can you do?
Take a deep breath:
Instead of reacting right away, be it positively or negatively, give yourself a moment to process what just happened and make sure you’re objective enough.
Find out what you’re feeling:
It’s easy and quick to say, “I’m feeling angry because they hurt me.” Really? Dig deeper. Are you angry or sad because you’re afraid they’re right? What exactly do you feel? Anger or sadness? Emotions are complex and often piggyback on one another.
Replace negative thoughts as fast as possible:
If your mind goes straight to how you’ve been wronged or how terrible everything is, divert yourself without wasting time on the negative. Dwelling on negativity will only make you more prone to it, so focus on positive emotions. Change your thoughts and change your story.
Channel your energy in a more productive activity:
Human emotions are incredibly powerful. Let that energy go by participating in some sort of physical activity. You can choose to go for a run or a walk, or even shooting some hoops if you’re physical. You can dive straight into work, cook, call a friend, read a book. Anything that will keep you positively busy. One thing you shouldn’t do is hide under being busy pretending you’re okay.
Explore your emotions:
Why do you feel the way you do? Journaling (on a note pad or digital device) or talking with a trusted friend or family member can help you understand why you’re feeling the way you do. Once you understand an emotion, it’s that much easier to control it.
Accept uncertainty:
To better accept the unknown, you have to relinquish control and maintain trust that the powers that be are working to solve large-scale issues. It’s just like what you do subconsciously any time you use public transit and airplanes, for example. You somehow, though unconsciously believe that the pilot will take off and land without any drama.
Stick to the facts:
Claims, assumptions and analysis sometimes worsens situations because the human factor will bring about some painting and exaggeration. Anxiety makes us feel powerless and then breeds fear that we won’t be able to handle the consequences of a terrible event, whether unemployment or sickness. However, the facts are muddled up, the severity of the threat and underestimate our ability to cope. Instead of feeling powerless, evaluate what you know to be true in this moment. Add nothing more.
If nothing seems to work after trying these tips, and you still feel sad, worried, or scared you need to reach out to a mental health expert. Talk to your family doctor first so you can be linked up with a professional.
Reach out to IBIENE in the comment section if you have to.