Coping with anxiety
Life is never smooth sailing. In fact, it can often be bumpy and sometimes those bumps can make us feel anxious and worried. Whether it’s about things happening around the world, in our personal lives, or even just not knowing what’s coming next, uncertainty can really stress us out. But don’t let uncertainty overwhelm you – there are a few simple steps you can take to manage your anxiety and find your centre of calm.
What do we mean by “uncertainty”?
Uncertainty can be triggered in many different ways including:
- World events. We all remember how anxious the COVID-19 pandemic made us feel. Issues like a bad economy, political problems or climate change can also make us insecure and uncertain.
- Personal changes. Moving to a new place, getting a new job, or starting a new relationship brings with it uncertainty and with it, a degree of anxiety.
- Health worries. When you or someone you love gets sick, or you have to deal with a long-term health problem, things feel off balance.
- Friend and family dynamics. Arguments, breakups, or changes in your family can bring confusion and a loss in confidence.
All these things can cause fear and worry, but there are strategies you can put in place to help you handle challenging times even when everything around you seems uncertain.
Tips for managing your anxiety
- Focus on the present. Try deep breathing or activities like yoga or meditation that will help you control your immediate present and stop you stressing about what might happen later.
- Stay connected to those close to you. Spend time talking to friends, family, or support groups who understand what you are going through. Feeling that you belong can bring you a lot of comfort.
- Take a break from the news. While it is important to know what is going on in the world, too much news can make you feel out of control, leading to even worse anxiety. Limit the amount of news you listen to, only listen to a few trusted sources, and try not to tune into anything that causes you to panic.
- Create a routine and stick to it. If change is making you anxious then making a plan to create more control. Deciding when to wake up, eat, work or relax, can make you feel more secure.
- Be kind to yourself. In the same way that you would treat a loved one with care and kindness, make sure to behave towards yourself in the same way. Tell yourself it is OK to feel anxious during uncertain times, and proactively do things that will make you feel calmer and more in control.
- Ask for help. If you feel like anxiety is taking over your life, it might be time to ask for help. Talk to a therapist or counsellor who can give you advice and help you develop strategies that will help you manage your anxiety.
