In these times of heightened emotions and uncertainty, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of news and global events. As a Registered Psychotherapist and Holistic Nutritionist, I’ve seen how these stressors can impact our well-being. Let’s explore some practical ways to care for ourselves during these turbulent times.
Mindful News Consumption
How we engage with the news can significantly affect our mental health. Consider opting for reading articles over watching live broadcasts; sometimes, visuals can be more distressing. Reflect on your information consumption habits: Are they keeping you informed or leaving you drained? Setting boundaries around media consumption can help protect your peace and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
Setting Healthy Boundaries
It’s crucial to establish limits to protect our emotional well-being. Decide to check news updates only at specific times and plan a relaxing activity afterward to decompress. Also, think about when and with whom you discuss current events, ensuring these conversations don’t negatively impact your mental state. Engaging in sensory-based activities like yoga, going for a mindfulness walk can help manage stress and promote relaxation.
Considerate Communication – don’t “slime” others
Before sharing distressing news, it’s thoughtful to check in with the other person to see if they’re in a place to handle it. When I worked at a mental health hospital, we had an agreement that before we would vent to our coworkers about difficult scenarios we were experiencing, we needed to ask if they were able to hold space for us. This created a sense of emotional safety amongst the staff. People may be dealing with their own challenges, and this approach fosters empathy and maintains supportive relationships.
Nourishing Your Body
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports both physical and mental health. Nutrient-dense foods provide the energy needed to cope with stress and improve mood. Research in nutritional psychiatry indicates that dietary improvements can reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.
Engaging in Regular Physical Activity
Exercise is a powerful tool for mental health. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Activities that you enjoy can improve mood, boost energy levels, and promote better sleep. Engaging in enjoyable physical activities encourages consistency and enhances overall quality of life. Therapeutic lifestyle changes, including exercise, have been shown to be effective and affordable interventions for various psychiatric disorders.
Connecting with Nature
Spending time in nature has healing and restorative effects. Modern lifestyles often isolate us from natural environments, but reconnecting with nature can improve cognitive function, attention, and emotional well-being. Activities like hiking, gardening, or simply enjoying a park can provide mental health benefits and reduce stress. Time in nature is associated with greater cognitive, attentional, emotional, spiritual, and subjective well-being.
Fostering Social Connections
Strong social connections are a cornerstone of wellness. The health risk of social isolation is comparable to risks like smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity. Engaging with friends, family, or support groups can enhance happiness, resilience, and cognitive capacity. Maintaining these relationships is essential for mental health and can provide support during challenging times. Just make sure you are careful what you are discussing!
Engaging in Enjoyable Activities
Participating in activities that bring joy, such as hobbies, arts, or sports, can improve mood and overall well-being. These enjoyable recreational activities, and the positive emotions that ensue, foster multiple emotional and physical benefits.
Practicing Relaxation and Stress Management
Chronic stress is a health threat, making stress management essential. Techniques like muscle relaxation, breathwork, guided imagery, meditation and yoga can reduce stress and improve mental health.
Balancing Advocacy and Self-Care
While staying informed and active in societal issues is important, it’s equally essential to prioritize your health. Remember, you can’t support others effectively if you’re depleted. Engage in advocacy at a sustainable pace, ensuring that you allocate time for rest and personal well-being.
Implementing these strategies can significantly improve your emotional well-being during uncertain times. If you need personalized support, consider seeking professional counseling services.
At Lisa Koole Counselling, we specialize in anxiety therapy, stress management, emotional eating and weightloss. Our goal is to support your journey toward holistic wellness.
