Creating Calm in the Chaos
What has happened to the start of our year? It has been hard to focus and concentrate with so many distractions. We have been faced with many different, scary, unpredictable scenarios from bushfires, floods, cyclones and now a world-wide COVID-19 infection.
This naturally creates a sense of anxiety, stress and can easily turn to panic. These are all quite normal reactions, and, in some cases, anxiety plays a vital role for people to take greater care, seek prevention and safeguard against exposure, ultimately reducing anxiety. We need to create space to accept what is happening and focus on what we can control. If we don’t have facts our brains seem to find a way to fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle and this is where we can overthink and panic.
As humans, we like comfort and consistency. Any form of change creates a certain level of threat response in our brain, especially when we are navigating through the unknown. What we need to stay aware of is that our emotions come first non-consciously and are contagious. If we lead from a place of fear and panic, those around us will pick up on this and start to mirror and feed off our own energy. This is not helpful.
Some of the ways to create some calm in the chaos:
Limit media exposure - only follow updates from reputable sources
If you have children, discuss with them some of the changes that might take place – keep it simple and easy to understand
Reduce anxiety by reducing your risk – follow World Health Organisation guidelines
Take extra care to look after yourself – build greater resilience by focusing on your diet, sleep and exercise
Be kind and supportive to others – helping people makes us feel good
In times of uncertainty it is important to remain as calm as possible. Try to focus your attention on what you can control and influence. If you lead from a place of panic, you are compromising your immune system as your body is too busy in threat response rather than calm and controlled.
What areas do you need to shift your focus?
What can you do differently today to be calmer?
Do your best to create space for calm, compassion and practice greater self-care. If you need further support please reach out to us, your support network or contact specialist organisations such as Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, you can access their amazing resources here.