During times of high-stakes uncertainty, it’s normal to stress about potential threats and negative outcomes, and it can be tougher to resist anxious thoughts given that the coronavirus has disrupted the usual ways we comfort ourselves. But getting lost in worries is emotionally depleting, and it interferes with moving forward. That’s why it’s worth improving how you handle this pesky mental habit. Many of us worry because we feel that it helps us plan. It’s tempting to keep unsettling issues top of mind — the same way we review our to-dos — to prepare. “Our minds will try to solve a problem, even if it’s a problem that can’t be solved by us,” said Lizabeth Roemer, a professor of psychology at the University of Massachusetts Boston, and an author of “Worry Less, Live More: The Mindful Way through Anxiety Workbook.” ...What helps is being present, even if that means sitting with uncertainty, sadness, and, yes, a certain amount of worry — approached intentionally. Here are some of my favourite evidence-based strategies to finding clarity when your worries feel overwhelming.
Accept your worries (observe without judging)
Free yourself from mental multitasking (try carving out time to focus on the worrisome thoughts, as stimulus control)
Make a worry appointment (20 - 30 minutes tops. Maybe split in half, if more than one big issue. Consider journaling about the anxieties/fears)
— Jenny Taitz, Psychologist (From the article How to Worry More Mindfully, The New York Times)
One sentence strikes me in particular... that Covid has disrupted the usual ways we comfort ourselves. So not only are we potentially struggling with job insecurity, finances, tight quarters at home, we’re also having to do without many of the things that bring us joy and pleasure. We are SOOOO entitled to be at less than our best right now. Just sayin’ :) Hugs XO
Blessings,
Chatgirl
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