How to stop feeling anxious right now

Over the past few days, I like most of us, have been glued to the news.

I'd started checking it when I wake up and at regular intervals during the day, and I know I'm not alone as so many people have told me that they've started doing the same.

How could we not with everything that's happening at the moment in Ukraine?

So it's not surprising that this also brought with it a mixed bag of emotions.

Fear, worry, anxiety, uncertainty, stress, heartbreak...the list goes on.

As a mother of boys in their 20's I think of what it would be like if my sons and husband were going to fight.

As a daughter of a Polish Immigrant in the second world war, I think of what life was like for my mum.

As a mum of a 14 year old having conversations to stop her from feeling scared.

And feeling so much for the people of Ukraine.

Over the weekend I've had similar conversations with my family, friends, neighbours and clients all saying similar things.

So, if this is you here are some steps you can take to help stop that feeling of anxiety creeping in.

#1 Limit your news intake

If your news intake has gone from zero to 100 in no time at all give yourself permission to take it down to maybe a couple of updates a day. Just by doing this you're creating some space to process things rather than just consume all the time.

#2 Limit screen time before bed

It's easy to scroll social media or just read the news before bed but instead give yourself time to relax, unwind and calm down properly. This will help you to sleep better which will then make you feel better in the morning. Feeling tired never helped anyone.

#3 Write or talk it out

Whether you prefer writing or talking, getting your feelings out of your system helps. You can grab your notebook and pen and free write and journal or talk it over with a close friend.

#4 Fill your own cup

It's not selfish or insensitive to do something you enjoy right now. After all you can't serve people with an empty cup. Make time for yourself and do something that really lifts your spirits.

#5 Meditate

If you've never tried meditating before consider giving it a try. There are loads of apps you can download like Headspace or Calm and loads of free meditations on Youtube to follow. Just the act of sitting and breathing really does help.

#6 Ask yourself 'what do I need right now'

This powerful question can be asked as many times as you need to throughout the day. It might be something as simple as 'get some fresh air' or 'get a cuppa' that pops into your head - easy things that can make you feel so much better in the moment.

I hope you've found this useful, and if you've got some other tips that really work for you, please feel free to pass them on.

Speak soon

Barbara