With so much uncertainty and unrest in our nation, you may be feeling powerless, overwhelmed and upset. You may have trouble processing what is going on, where we are and how we got here. I thought it would be a good time to talk about ways to handle uncertainty, as we don’t know how things will play out with our country.
First ask yourself if there is anything you can do about the unrest. Here are some possibilities.
Ways to gain power over unrest
Gather information
Do you want to better understand how we got to this place as a nation? If so, perhaps you want to read some books or do some research on the history of our country and how we came to be so divided. Maybe you want to see if there was another time in history where a similar situation happened, or how the country got through other deep divisions and unrest.
Social Dilemma
There is an excellent documentary on Netflix called the Social Dilemma. It helps you understand the impact of social media on our increasing political polarization. This might explain why some people in your own family or close friends have such different political points of view. You know and love these people but you don’t understand how they can believe what they do. This documentary is eye opening.
Disengage from news and media
Perhaps all this news is overwhelming for you. Maybe looking at the news less often will help decrease your stress. It is important that you take care of yourself, no matter what anyone else is doing. While some may choose to become more involved, others may need to become less involved.
I’m sure there are several other ways that you can think of to gain control over the situation.
However, if you feel you have done what you can, then it is time to let go of the things you have no control over. We cannot control other people or situations; we can only control how we react to them.
How to let go of what you cannot control
Recognize that you cannot control the unrest
The first step to change is recognizing that we are doing something that is not helpful. All we can do is take care of ourselves. If you recognize that you are ruminating over the situation, remind yourself that it is out of your control.
Self care
What can you do to take care of yourself? Here are some common things that people find helpful when dealing with unrest.
Go for a walk
Going outside and engaging in any activity can get you out of your head. There are so many other distractions and things to pay attention to while you are walking. Feel the sunshine on your body, notice the trees and flowers, and enjoy the moment.
Call a friend
Talking with someone else will get us out of our heads, as the focus of the conversation will be elsewhere. Maybe there is someone who always makes you laugh or makes you feel good about yourself. Call that person. It’s OK to let them know that you are struggling. Honor yourself and do what you need to do to take care of you.
Listen to music
What kind of music speaks to you and your emotions? Maybe there is some upbeat music that will make you get up and dance, or sing. This is certain to change your mood.
Take a bath or shower
Taking a hot or cold bath or shower is also known to be a mood changer. Perhaps you want to take a long soak in the tub and read a book.
Meditate
When we meditate our breathing rate slows down as well as our heart rate. This is another way to calm you down. There are many meditation apps such as CALM, Insight Timer and Headspace. Try one and see if it helps you.
Read
Having a great book to read is an easy way to change our thought process.
Engage in a hobby
Do you like to play an instrument, engage in a sport, play video games, or do some sort of craft? Most people get in the zone with these activities and the rest of the world tends to melt away. Take time for yourself and take a mental break.
These are just a few suggestions of how to handle the unrest. You know yourself best. What can you do to get yourself out of your head? Is there someplace you like to go, or something you like to do that will help change your frame of mind?
If you are having trouble coping during these difficult times, having someone to talk to who is nonjudgmental can help. Give me a call at 713-304-6554.
Take care,
Debbie
