How to Cope During Unsettling Times & How to Build Resilience
Living now brings a lot to cope with, which could leave you feeling a lot of negative emotions. In REALity, it’s probably preferable not to regard emotions as positive or negative as all emotions are valid and may even help motivate you in some circumstances.
When learning how to cope during unsettling times, it is important to make self-care a key part of life. You can also focus on enhancing resilience which will give you a sense of control of your life and what happens to you. Resilience is the ability to adapt especially in difficult or crisis situations when we can really start to feel ‘under the hammer’. Strengthening resilience is like exercising a muscle – practise makes perfect and it might take a while to get the results you’re looking for. The important thing is not to give up. Even getting out of bed in the morning is a win when the background of life feels dark and unwelcoming.
One way to better cope, is to stay connected with friends and loved ones, whether through phone calls, video chats, or visits. If you feel anxious or you’re suffering from emotional distress, talking about your feelings and concerns can help you feel supported and less alone. Since the coronavirus global pandemic, anxiety levels and various mental health challenges have greatly increased so now more than ever, people need to reach out in times like these.
Many of us feel it’s helpful to limit exposure to negative news and social media, as constantly being bombarded with troubling information can contribute to feelings of fear and hopelessness. Instead, try to focus on positive news stories or uplifting content that can help lift your spirits. Play happy music instead of dark, angry, or depressing music.
Finally, remember that it is okay to seek professional help if you are feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope. Therapy, counselling, or support groups can provide valuable resources and strategies for managing difficult emotions by growing in adversity.
Building Resilience
Part of building resilience involves developing the ability to bounce back from difficult situations and challenges. Make a plan to strengthen your ability to cope and come to terms with what has happened. This will help you learn how to adapt and thrive by getting a better deal in the face of adversity, uncertainty, and stress.
Alleviating Stress and Anxiety in Times of Difficulty
Stress and anxiety are natural responses to challenging situations, but it’s important to find ways to alleviate these feelings in order to maintain overall well-being. Here are some additional strategies to help manage stress and strain during difficult times:
- Practise Meditation: Take time to focus on the present moment and let go of worries about the past or future. Mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help calm the mind and reduce stress.
- Stay connected: Reach out to friends and family for support during difficult times. Talking to loved ones can provide a sense of comfort and reassurance and remind you that you’re not alone in facing challenges.
- Limit exposure to stressful triggers: Identify sources of stress in your life and try to minimise their impact. This may involve setting boundaries with people or situations that cause stress, avoiding negative news or social media.
- Make a list of ways that you relax and a list of what makes you happy. Prioritise these to avoid burnout, stress and anxiety and make a special effort to diarise these fun activities.
- If necessary, seek mental health professional help: If you’re feeling overtaken by a myriad of difficulties, don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist or counselor for support. They can provide tools and strategies to help you cope with difficult emotions. Online therapy is commonly available now or you might call one of our professional psychics to help with coping skills, practical advice and well as spiritual counselling. The Spiritual REALm is behind everything that is happening in your life now.
- Practice gratitude: Focusing on the positive aspects of your life can help shift your perspective and reduce feelings of stress and tension. Take time each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for, whether it’s small moments of joy or acts of kindness from others.
- Prioritise self-care: Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge, such as exercise, reading, or spending time with loved ones. Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being is essential for managing anxiety and stress during difficult times.
Remember that it’s normal to feel stressed and anxious during challenging situations, but it’s important to prioritize your well-being and seek help if needed. By practising mindfulness, staying connected with others, engaging in self-care activities, and seeking professional support, you can alleviate stress and strain and navigate difficult times with resilience and strength. Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being by getting enough rest, eating well, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Exercise, hobbies, spending time in nature, or indulging in your favourite activities can bring joy and happiness instead of worrying about things. Have a go at regular meditation, sit and be still with nothing in your head. Engage in mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing exercises, to help manage stress and build emotional resilience. Sounds easy, however it can take some practice. Sleeping better at night is a high priority, so go to bed at the same time and try to get a minimum of 8 hours good quality sleep. If you’re post-menopausal or over 55 years, you might benefit from melatonin. You can buy this online or at a pharmacy. If you’re under 55 in Australia, you will need a prescription from a doctor.
More Tips to Help You Get Stronger
Here are some ways to cope and key strategies for strengthening resilience in times of uncertainty and change:
- Develop a strong support system: Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who can provide emotional support and encouragement during tough times.
- Cultivate a positive mindset: Focus on finding the silver lining in difficult situations and practice gratitude for the good things in your life. Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations.
- Develop problem-solving skills: Build your ability to handle challenges by developing problem-solving skills and finding practical solutions to problems as they arise.
- Build emotional intelligence: Develop your ability to recognise and manage your emotions effectively, as well as understand and empathise with the emotions of others.
- Set goals and take action: Break down big challenges into smaller, manageable tasks and take proactive steps towards achieving your goals. Celebrate your successes along the way.
- Learn from setbacks: Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, see them as opportunities for growth and learning. Use setbacks as valuable feedback to help you improve and progress.
By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can strengthen your ability to adapt and develop the flexibility needed to overcome challenges. You can thrive in the face of adversity. Remember that growing resilience is a lifelong journey, and it is never too late to start building your resilience muscles.
One Step at a Time in Unsettling Times
It can be overwhelming to think about all the steps necessary to achieve success so take a moment to actually sit down and think about finding a solution when you’re faced with a daunting task or challenge. Breaking challenges down into smaller, manageable steps can make them much more achievable for both your body and mind. Your life again comes back within your control.
Improving your daytime habits and your night routine will make you better able to get help with depression and difficult situations. Taking some time to relax and unwind before bed can help too.
