The past couple of years have been challenging, to say the least. A global pandemic, political unrest, economic uncertainty - it's enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed. As regulations and safety guidelines shift, it can be difficult to keep up. However, with some mindset shifts and self-care, it is possible to stay safe and sane.
Accept What You Can't Control
The first step is letting go of what I can't control. There are many things in life that are out of my hands - government regulations, the news cycle, other people's choices. Rather than obsess over these things, I try to focus on what I can control - my actions, my responses, and my mindset.
"Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." - Reinhold Niebuhr
This prayer has helped me put things in perspective during chaotic times. I repeat it to myself as a mantra when I'm feeling anxious or hopeless. It reminds me that all I can do is focus on my own behavior.
Follow Safety Guidelines Without Resentment
Next, I aim to follow safety guidelines without resentment. I don't love wearing a mask or socially distancing. But I know these measures help protect myself and others.
Rather than seeing them as an inconvenience, I reframe them as acts of service. By being careful, I'm contributing to the greater good. I focus on the positive intent behind public health measures, rather than judging or opposing them.
|Negative Mindset|Positive Mindset|
|-|-|
|"I hate wearing this stupid mask!"|"By wearing a mask, I'm protecting others."|
|"Social distancing is ruining my social life."|"Social distancing keeps people safe even if it's awkward."|
|"All these rules are so restrictive."|"These guidelines are helping limit the spread of illness."|
Control My Media Consumption
Being bombarded by a 24/7 news cycle and endless social media takes a toll. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, I limit my media intake.
- I choose a couple trusted news sources and check them just twice a day.
- I unfollow or mute accounts on social media that increase my anxiety.
- I take occasional social media breaks for a day or two.
- I be mindful of when I'm starting to feel overwhelmed and stop scrolling.
Controlling my media consumption helps me stay informed without becoming engulfed. I get the key headlines I need without drowning in inflammatory clickbait.
Use Tech Tools to Limit Media Time
I also use tech tools to enforce healthy limits on my media consumption:
- App timers on my phone restrict time spent in social media apps.
- Website blockers like Freedom prevent me from accessing anxiety-provoking sites.
- Notifications off so I choose when to check apps instead of being pulled in.
These tools put me back in control of my media habits. I highly recommend them for limiting pointless scrolling.
Practice Regular Self-Care
With so much going on in the world, it's essential that I take time for self-care. This looks different for everyone, but for me it includes:
- Daily meditation - This clears my mind and reduces stress. Using an app like Calm makes meditation easy.
- Exercising 3-4x a week - Whether it's yoga, running, or strength training, working out boosts my mood.
- Eating healthy meals - Nutritious foods give me lasting energy and help me feel my best.
- Calling friends and family - Connecting with loved ones fills my cup. Laughter really is great medicine.
- Limiting alcohol - Drinking tends to ramp up my anxiety, so I avoid overdoing it.
- Reading fiction - Immersing myself in novels takes my mind off real world worries.
- Spending time in nature - The outdoors are calming and help provide perspective.
Carving out time for these priorities sustains my mental health so I don't get lost in the chaos.
Reframe Your Mindset
My mindset has a huge impact on my ability to cope. When I catch myself thinking negatively, I gently reframe my thoughts:
- "This is never going to end" becomes "This is a temporary season we'll get through."
- "I can't stand this mask!" becomes "Wearing a mask shows I care about others."
- "I hate all these restrictions" becomes "The guidelines are helping keep people safe."
Reframing thoughts in a more positive light lifts my mood and stops the spiral into anxiety or resentment. I also try to focus on the good happening around me, and express gratitude for what I have. This keeps me anchored in hope.
Connect with Community
Humans are social creatures - we're not meant to endure life alone. That's why when times get tough, it's crucial to intentionally connect with others.
I make an effort to:
- Call friends or family members to catch up
- Attend virtual events to see familiar faces
- Join local community groups (book club, volunteering, hobby meetups)
- Share experiences with coworkers to feel less isolated
Even if I can't see people in person, making social connections boosts my spirits and reminds me I'm not in this by myself. I've also discovered new communities aligned with my interests, which has been really rewarding.
Get Involved in a Cause
Volunteering or advocating for a cause I care about gives me a sense of purpose when life feels bleak. Some causes I'm passionate about are:
- Local food bank
- Racial justice initiatives
- Environmental conservation
- Youth mentoring program
- Animal shelter
I donate my time or resources to these organizations, which makes me feel like I'm making a positive difference. Seeing my contributions help real people motivates me to stay engaged.
Getting active in a meaningful cause also leads me to like-minded people. I've expanded my community and made new friends through my involvement.
Even when the state of the world seems disheartening, advocating for issues I care about keeps me hopeful and energized.
Conclusion
Staying balanced amidst chaos isn't easy, but it is possible. For me, the keys are letting go of what I can't control, following guidelines with compassion, limiting media consumption, engaging in self-care, reframing my mindset, connecting with community, and getting involved in a cause.
What keeps your head above water when life gets overwhelming? Focus on those strategies. We need each other's light to get through dark times, so extend grace to yourself and others. Together we can steadily walk the path of staying safe and sane.