Anxiety Series Interruption

 

My deepest apologies for the series interruption in the scheduled 6-part series on anxiety.

However, I felt it important to provide support and guidance on how to navigate the heaviness in the world right now… Which might indeed be bringing on more anxiety for many of us.

While anxiety is a very natural and helpful response (used to keep us safe), it easily becomes overwhelming when the fears we are aware of don’t pause, stop or go away quickly.

And we have been living in a world with constant updates of the imminent fears for a full two years now.

As of today, not only have we been dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the convoy protests of the pandemic restrictions. We are now inundated with news about what is happening with the war in Ukraine.

IT’S A LOT.

With the blessings of the internet and social media, allowing everyone to share their real-life experiences, unfiltered by media or time, it is also a curse. There is not off button, no option to pause and come back, or to wait for the news segment the next day for the update.

We don’t have the opportunity to step away from what is going on in the world anymore as we once did.

Yes of course, we can purposely step away by not using our social media accounts (one of the helpful tips coming up!). But how addicted to you feel to your phone and those programs? How much of using them is necessary for your work, or in staying connected with your friends and family?

While turning off your electronic devices can be very helpful, there is a bit more purpose and energy that needs to be put forward in order to really feel the break and pause from the inundation and overwhelm.

So, what can you do to get this break? To take a pause? And to lower your stress and anxiety levels?

Here are a few quick and easy things to consider:

1. Like I mentioned before, take a break from social media and the internet. Turn off notifications from the apps, and put your device out of arm’s reach.

2. Monitor what you are using your devices for. Is it for work, or to connect with people you care about? Focus on doing just that. Search the people’s content you want to view and avoid scrolling.

3. If you notice that you have begun scrolling, stop, lift your eyes from the screen and take a deep breath. Decide which direction you want to go next.

4. Limit your time on social media or the internet. Put a timer on, and when it goes off, time to put the device away and move your attention to something else (watch your favourite show, call a friend, go outside, complete a chore, have a shower, etc).

5. Fact check your sources. Check in to where the information you are reading is coming from? Is it from that random person you met once at that place, and became Facebook friend with? Or is it from a reputable source? Having factual information can be helpful in your search for information.

6. Increase the activities you engage in that help you feel better and balanced. This might be spending some time focusing on your breathing or practicing mindfulness a few times a day, it might be engaging with your new or favourite hobby or interest a little more, it might be spending a few more moments in the warm shower or bath. Whatever it is, allow yourself to have more time engaging in those activities (aka use the time you would have spent on the internet towards these present moment activities).

7. Donate to the cause. Feeling helpless in times of distress is very common and can increase our levels of anxiety and fear. If you feel like you need to help to settle yourself, find reputable organizations that are looking for supplies, money*, or services to aid those who are struggling.

*Please note, when giving money, please ensure that you have checked the source you are wanting to donate to (such as a charity or organization) to ensure your money indeed goes to where you are wanting it to go, and you are not a victim of fraud.

 

As the days and weeks continue, I hope this information is helpful in your pursuit of mental wellness and balance.

If you would like support during these times, please visit the Contact Me page on my website to schedule an appointment. *New Saturday morning appointments have opened to welcome new clients!

If you have any tactics that you use to keep yourself balanced in tough times, I would love to hear it! Hit reply and let me know what you do, or share your tips with me on social media! You can reach me on instagram @devanceciliacounselling and on Facebook @devanceciliacounselling

Know someone who might benefit from reading this information? Feel free to share this with them, and encourage them to sign up for my blog emailed directly to them!

Until next week…

Take good care,

Devan