Coping With Anxiety In Times Of Uncertainty

There’s a lot of uncertainty in the world at the moment. The year 2020 is fast becoming a year of rapid and dramatic changes, like the world has not seen in a very long time. And we are only three months into it!

Some anxiety is a normal part of everyone’s life. Currently, the world news is full of reports producing fear and anxiety for many people. The key is how each individual will be handling the news.

Especially highly sensitive and empathic people, like myself, are having to deal with the intense daily energy of our current reality. As I’m writing this blog, I can feel my own anxious feelings surging about the current coronavirus pandemic.

There are many ways to relieve anxious feelings. Whatever produces the anxious feelings is either real, or imagined. Either way, it is each person’s reality that matters. If it is real to you, then that is your reality.

It is my belief we are all in this together, and we will get through it together. My own mind feels like it is on a roller coaster ride. My rational mind says we are doing all we can to control what’s going on, only to hear something an hour later that brings some new fear and anxiety.

Riding the wave of emotion, not denying our feelings, but also not wallowing in fear, helps us to have hope and find our inner strength. Having hope, and doing the best each of us possibly can to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe, is all we can do.

Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength ~ Charles Spurgeon

Many families all at home together, trying to stay healthy and sane, is difficult at best. After a while, some will develop a ‘short fuse,’ even people that are usually calm. I once read a book by author Karen Paolino, titled What Would Love Do. It has since helped me through many challenging situations. Especially when it’s a time when there seems to be no resolution to a problem. In such times as these, I try to take a step back and ask myself, “What would love do?” My higher self then comes through with the answer that is best for all concerned.

For some people anxious feelings run in their family line. There are cellular memories about trauma our ancestors experienced. Our DNA carries memories of traumatic events that may have happened to a great grandparent, for example.

Sometimes anxiousness seems to come out of the blue, with no rhyme or reason. This is when coping tools, or even medication, may be the answer for some people. There are also some natural ways that may help ease anxious feelings.

Self-talk is very important in trying to separate our rational thoughts from fear. Try to focus on things you can do. Pay attention to something else, as opposed to letting your mind run away with the ‘what if’s.’

You can’t always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside ~ Wayne Dyer

During these challenging times, make an effort to stay in touch with loved ones in this life, and the next. Text, Skype or call a friend. Get a mediumship reading. Reach out to others, make contact, connect with spirit. Be kind, charitable and compassionate. But most of all, love yourself enough to know it is not selfish to also take care of yourself, and those your care about. When you are taking good care of yourself, that energy will also serves others.

Some good ways for self-care is to get enough rest, eat well, and meditate or pray, even if it is only five minutes every day. Read, listen to music, create art, sing, dance or exercise. These are all helpful to relieve anxious feelings. For me writing in a gratitude journal reminds me there is always something to be grateful for, no matter what the current circumstances.

However you choose to cope with your anxiety in this time of adversity, always remember to ask yourself ‘what would love do?’ We are all in this together.