During times of national crisis, it’s easy to get lost in the bad news and forget your normal life. Soon enough, you’re behind on work, your mental health is suffering, and you feel disconnected from friends and family. But it’s important to step back and prioritize self-care, even amidst the chaos around you. Here are 5 tips for maintaining your wellbeing during crisis:
1. Limit news consumption
Though it’s important to stay informed, reading too much news can wreak havoc on your mental health. According to Change Mental Health Organization, “exposure to negative events can lead to heightened stress and anxiety and can even lead to depression.” Examples of these negative news events include natural disasters, war, political developments and climate change. By limiting the time you spend exposed to these news, you limit your brain’s “stress response” and therefore keep your nervous system regulated.
2. Establish a routine
During uncertain times, we are all hanging on to a thread of hope through some certainty. The best way to establish certainty is by having a consistent routine you show up to each day. An article by Northwestern Medicine says that having a daily routine helps you manage your stress more effectively, sleep better, eat healthier and get active – that is, of course, if you include work, sleep, meals, and exercise in your routine.
3. Practice self-care
Self-care can look like whatever you want it to be! The key is to always engage in practices that promote your wellbeing. Even during times of national turmoil, you can still find ways to practice exercise, meditation, and hobbies. Bonus points if you get a friend to come along!
4. Engage with your community
The best way to beat negative emotions is through action. Instead of worrying about the future, translate your concern into a productive way to give back. Whether through volunteer work, advocacy, or simply checking on those in need, your contributions can do wonders. Even better, they can help you gain a sense of purpose during hard times! As the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “he who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”
5. Stay connected
The most important tip for navigating through times of crisis is staying connected to others. Don’t sit and stress alone – reach out to friends and family for some connection! As humans, we thrive on social interactions. Don’t deprive yourself of that just because you are going through a hard time. Spending quality time with loved ones, whether through a coffee date, a walk in the park, or a virtual gathering, can help you feel less alone. For more on this topic, check out our article on the profound impact of relationships.
Take-home message
It’s never easy to navigate through the uncertainty of national crises. But just because you can’t change your circumstances doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do! There are always numerous ways to take care of yourself during both good times and bad, and you should never neglect your own wellbeing. After all, who will pick the other up if we all fall down?
If you still need more ideas, check out our article on enhancing your mental health and well-being here.
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