Confession time! Like most people in the world, I am a creature of habit. I feel more comfortable with routine and predictability.
When I can with a small margin of error attempt to predict most things I feel peace and comfort.
But something about the last two years and more so the last few weeks has put a damper on that comfort.
All these curveballs being served have given me and I bet as well most of us a reason to be stressed and anxious.
The truth is, no one can avoid uncertainty. Life is actually very unpredictable. Some people have a higher tolerance and resilience for the unpredictable, while some people struggle.
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Maybe lately ,you have been feeling more predisposed to being easily irritable, more anxious, struggling with sleep, racing thoughts because the unpredictability is more pronounced.
I once had a lower intolerance to unpredictability but I have slowly begun a journey of surrender and become more adaptable to life on life\’s terms.
Can I share with you how? Here\’s how I deal with stress and anxiety.
1. I learnt to be proactive on the things I have control over. Anxiety has a helplessness to it. It makes us feel overwhelmed by what we have no control over. But there are some things we can change and adjust within our own control. So if I can do something about my situation, I do.
2. Gentility in my thoughts.
I am learning to speak to myself kindly. Reassuring myself like I would my own child. I direct that kindness inwards. Whether I truly believe the phrases I am repeating to myself. I have learnt to swallow the mantras and affirmations until I buy into the narrative. It works
3. I don\’t watch too much news.
The news cycle can be an exhausting regurgitation of negativity. And we are a total sum of what we expose ourselves to. I do want to have an idea of what\’s happening but not a play by play. So a few headlines for a very short time and then I am done.
4. Social media detox.
Social media is such a great platform, especially for someone like me who is trying to teach and to learn. But it can be overwhelming and research shows that social media consumption is directly influential in the increase of anxiety.
So I detox. I go a few days without social media and engage in life. real life. Also, I don\’t spend an extensive prolonged exposure to social media. I go in with a specific goal and get out.
5. Connectivity
As I said, I like to engage in real life. This means I put my cell phone away, my laptop away and really check in with my husband. I put the devices away and engage fully with my boys. I sit down uninterrupted and check in with my mum over tea. The small basics of connectivity allow me to focus less inward and more outward.
6. Self-care and self-love
From as basic as working out daily. Self-love and self-care are empowering. Setting Boundaries for yourself and others. Making sure your internal clock is at optimum, eating well, sleeping for 7- 8 hours, maintaining disciplines etc. Investing in myself.
7. Learning
I love the world we live in today. Information is all around us. Information is free. I grab it with both hands. Whether it\’s as large as learning a new skill or language or just picking up some phrases and surface information on any interesting topic. The world is your oyster. Keep learning.
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8. Seek Professional help
Sometimes you need an extra hand from your neighbourhood mental health practitioner and that\’s okay. Reach out! It\’s okay not to be okay. Get some help. It\’s a show of strength.
Feel free to comment and give us your feedback on how you deal with stress and anxiety. You can also check out our blog page for more amazing mental health topics.
