In my Blog Post #3, I shared 10 Strategies for Coping in Precarious Times. 

As we are in the midst of unprecedented times, let’s dive a little deeper into how we can keep strong when we’re frightened or worried about what’s going on in the world around us. We can be happy, as we make a conscious CHOICE to be happy, even though we don’t have control over specific world events.

To reduce our stress, it is key to stay on top of our mental health.

Unabated worrying and stress is harmful to us, not helpful

In the work world, we are aware that unchecked and mounting stress can lead to burnout; that severe exhaustion affects our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. We have learned to pay attention to when we feel overwhelmed and unable to function well at work – to listen to our bodies when it is time to slow down and take time away from our work stressors to maintain our health.

But are we paying attention to our overall well-being in response to how we feel about what’s going on in the world? Even if our home life is happy, whether we are in a healthy relationship or are single, many of us can’t help but feel worried about current global events. It’s only human. However, it’s important to remember that worrying accomplishes nothing. It certainly doesn’t help us gain control over our lives. If we have self-awareness and know when we are in a worrying state, we can choose to think about something else – something positive – to shift our mood and calm our minds.

Internet scrolling drains not only our phone battery, but our positive energy

One thing that we can be aware of is that there is an incredible amount of misinformation, disinformation, political propaganda and outright lies swirling in the media and online. With our 24/7 technological access, we are easily inundated with an overabundance of news stories, commentary, conjecture, mockery, and outrage – all in the palm of our hand. It can become too much for us to absorb and process. We can acknowledge that there is so much information out there that is just not true and too much finger-pointing, accusations and rhetoric that is harmful.

In addition, when we view online content we are now trying to figure out if a post is true or not or if an image is real or generated by AI (Artificial Intelligence). Sometimes we just can’t be sure. We need to be vigilant to prevent us from falling for false narratives. This can be exhausting.

To keep our consumption of social media and online content to a manageable level, we can choose to limit how much time we spend interacting online. One can set time limit parameters in Facebook’s Settings & Privacy to help us be cognizant of the time we spend on this app. Our mobile phones likely have a Digital Balance setting that allows us to manage our screen time – otherwise known as how long we spend scrolling. Like millions of others, I am not immune to the algorithms that can keep us scrolling non-stop for hours. While there are plenty of informative articles and enjoyable entertainment online, we may spend more time online than we really intend. If this is the case for us, we can definitely make use of these time restriction notifications.

To really reset our level of engagement on social media, we can decide to take a complete break from internet scrolling for a while – for a few days, a week or more. I have some friends who have either never engaged on social media or did a bit before but now are not on it at all. One person told me they stay off social media and have stopped watching political coverage on television to safeguard their mental health. I understand such a decision. I applaud those who are incredibly self aware and take action that honours and nurtures their well-being.

We can indulge in pleasurable pursuits to keep our mind off of world events

I have always been interested in politics, rooted in my upbringing. My parents were engaged in political life for the purpose of improving the lives of others. While I have been riveted to political coverage on television in the past, recently I have found that I need to limit my viewing hours of this type of content as it can be frustrating and depressing.

Fortunately, there are many other options of content to watch on television in the comfort of our homes. An absorbing dramatic series or excellent movie can transport our mind to experience another environment. A change of scenery without having to go on a trip! Reading enthralling fiction can do the same thing for us. A good book is a gift for the soul.

Comedy in all its forms produces laughter in us which is good for our well-being – laughter having been touted as the best medicine, after all. I love stand-up comedy or watching a well-written comedic television series. Being able to laugh about our universal human experiences is a great stress reducer and connects us to one another.

Other ways we can reduce our stress to keep on top of our mental health include:

• Being aware of how we’re feeling; checking in with ourselves about how we’re feeling
• Looking at the bright side of things and trying to find a silver lining
• Understanding that things never stay the same
• Realizing that we all have fears and insecurities and that we’re all in this together
• Getting outside in the fresh air and appreciating the amazing nature around us
• Going for a walk, bike ride, swim, scenic drive, or boat ride
• Having a picnic at a favourite spot
• Having a great conversation with a lovely person
• When in a conversation, changing the subject when we want to do so
• Listening, dancing and singing to music we love
• Resting when we feel tired, taking a well-deserved nap
• Being aware of how much quality sleep we’re getting each night, not allowing ourselves to become sleep deprived
• Making our bedroom a sanctuary of comfort and serenity
• Working on or planning for home improvement projects
• Getting involved in ways that contribute to our community
• Working out at the gym or at home; participating in a fitness class
• Playing a sport
• Playing a game
• Pursuing our Yoga or Pilates practice
• Giving attention and love to a pet
• Looking up at the sky with wonder and awe
• Learning a new skill we always wanted to learn
• Pursuing a passion
• Becoming a member of a club
• Trying something new (with safety in mind, of course!)
• Visiting a museum, national park, or a point of interest
• Browsing in a bookstore or library
• Seeing a live performance
• Going to the cinema to catch a movie on the big screen (even on IMAX!)
• Enjoying a restaurant meal
• Planning your next trip or adventure
• Getting dressed up to attend a special event
• Sitting with a favourite beverage and covering ourselves with a comfy throw, savouring the tranquility
• Connecting with a stranger in a public place, be it giving a genuine compliment or sharing a thought or laugh
• Meeting and getting to know someone new and realizing they’re going to become a dear friend
• Calling someone we care about but haven’t spoken to in a while
• Smiling at those we encounter in our day; being kind to service workers
• Hugging someone, even ourselves
• Volunteering for a cause that is close to our heart
• Appreciating our family, friends, and all our loved ones
• Being grateful for all the blessings in our life

As you have likely deduced from the stress reducers listed above, I’m suggesting that we continue living our life like we always have or have always wanted. There is no need to put our joy or our pursuit of having fun on hold when the world is in upheaval. In fact, I definitely encourage the opposite. Go ahead and love your life and those special humans in your life.

Don’t hesitate to seek help if you are having trouble coping with the state of the world

Be sure to talk to someone you trust, such as your spouse, a parent, sibling, or friend, if you are having emotional difficulty dealing with how you feel about global events. It is important to keep communicating and sharing your feelings so that others know how you are doing and so you can process and work through how you feel. Know that there are professionals available to help you should you have any feelings of great distress that are not getting resolved. You are not, and never, alone.

You are (however) the Light of your own Life. Nurture it to keep it shining bright. You deserve it! You are Enough and deserve all the love your heart can hold.