Thriving in Turbulent Times
Regain Control, Reduce Stress, and Reconnect
When life feels overwhelming—whether due to global events, family stress, or information overload—it’s easy to feel powerless or anxious. You may notice mood changes, sleep disruptions, increased irritability, or a sense of disconnection. The good news is, there are intentional steps you can take to feel more grounded and in control of your well-being.
Here are practical ways to reduce stress, re-center your focus, and reconnect with what truly matters:
1. Customize Your News Consumption
24-hour news cycles and doom-scrolling are designed to keep you in a heightened state of alert. To protect your mental space, choose one or two reputable news sources and set a scheduled time to check the news each day. Outside of that window, avoid the urge to refresh or scroll. This boundary can dramatically reduce anxiety.
2. Take a Break from Social Media
Step away from platforms that thrive on emotional reaction. If someone in your circle is monitoring current events, trust they’ll let you know if something important happens. Even short breaks from social media can make a noticeable difference in your mood and mental clarity.
3. Focus on What You Can Control
Many events in the world are beyond your reach. Shift your energy to the areas where you have influence—your habits, your home, your relationships, your work, and your local community. This shift helps foster a sense of agency and calm.
4. Live in Alignment with Your Values
Get clear on what matters most to you and use that as your compass. Whether it’s kindness, creativity, family, or integrity, grounding your daily actions in your values helps you navigate uncertainty with clarity and purpose.
5. Reconnect with Community
Spend time with people you trust—those who listen without judgment and bring joy into your life. Whether through a shared activity, a meaningful conversation, or simply laughing together, human connection is one of the most effective antidotes to stress.
6. Engage in Joyful Activities
Revisit hobbies or routines that lift your spirits. Maybe it’s a nostalgic movie, a favourite playlist, a walk in nature, or something new you’ve been curious about. Joy doesn’t have to be grand—it just needs to be genuine.
7. Prioritize Self-Care
Choose activities that nourish your body and mind. This could include yoga, walking, journaling, crafting, playing sports, learning something new, or attending a local group. Be mindful of your sleep habits, nutrition, and substance use—your physical health and emotional health are deeply connected.
8. Plan Things to Look Forward To
Anticipation can be a powerful mood booster. Schedule simple, positive events—a lunch with a friend, a game night, or even a solo coffee outing. Giving yourself something to look forward to supports long-term emotional balance.
9. And Most Importantly… Breathe
In moments of tension, come back to your breath. A few deep, mindful inhales and exhales can bring you back into the present and provide an immediate sense of calm and clarity.
A Gentle Reminder:
You Have More Power Than You Think - Even when external circumstances are chaotic, your response doesn’t have to be. By choosing mindfulness, connection, and self-compassion, you can navigate difficult times with greater ease and resilience. These small, intentional shifts add up—and they start with you.
- Written by Marion Hall, BSW, RSW
