Most of the world is currently living through extraordinary circumstances and that can start to take its toll on us all. There is some research to suggest that although challenging, a trauma that we share with others can be potentially less damaging than personally traumatic experiences due to the social support that is so vital in tough times. However, it is clear that many are experiencing real hardship from the impact of the role they do, or by virtue of the economic or social impact of these times. For these people there can be serious concerns about mental health that need to be addressed.
For the rest of us it is easy to fall into a hole of negativity because so much is currently outside of our control. It is understandable to feel helpless and at the mercy of events. Yet if we can start to experience some agency it can help us feel better. Start by assessing what you can actually control. While we cannot control government decisions, we can control how we structure our working day and how much exercise or movement we engage with. Pouring endless energy into things that we cannot control drains us and can make things seem hopeless. Secondly, become aware of what does improve your mood. Is it exercise, funny videos or films, or maybe catching up with others? Once you know what helps, take positive action to plan and engage with those activities on a regular basis. Thirdly, look for positives. It is easy to spend endless hours in conversations about things you cannot control that make you feel worse. Where are the positives? For some it is less time commuting, for others maybe the chance to learn new skills or to slow down.
What can you control, and what needs to be parked as issues outside your control?
What activities energise you? How can you plan those into your week?
What are the positives you can be thankful for? How can you keep those front of mind?
For the rest of us it is easy to fall into a hole of negativity because so much is currently outside of our control. It is understandable to feel helpless and at the mercy of events. Yet if we can start to experience some agency it can help us feel better. Start by assessing what you can actually control. While we cannot control government decisions, we can control how we structure our working day and how much exercise or movement we engage with. Pouring endless energy into things that we cannot control drains us and can make things seem hopeless. Secondly, become aware of what does improve your mood. Is it exercise, funny videos or films, or maybe catching up with others? Once you know what helps, take positive action to plan and engage with those activities on a regular basis. Thirdly, look for positives. It is easy to spend endless hours in conversations about things you cannot control that make you feel worse. Where are the positives? For some it is less time commuting, for others maybe the chance to learn new skills or to slow down.
What can you control, and what needs to be parked as issues outside your control?
What activities energise you? How can you plan those into your week?
What are the positives you can be thankful for? How can you keep those front of mind?
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