The world has not yet recovered from the pandemic that everyone went through for two years. And now, after recent reports about the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine, many people are facing World War 3 anxiety.
All the negativities everyone has heard and experienced lately may be too much for some and could take a toll on people’s emotional and mental state. The good news is that there are some things you can actively do to lessen the anxiety that may crop up in these difficult times.
Here are several ways to cope with World War 3 anxiety
1. Lessen the time spent on social media
Social media has become a part of people’s lives, and it has become a norm to check for updates from the moment one wakes up until right before bedtime. But, because of the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine, there is an overwhelming number of negative news everyone. If consumed every day, this may not be healthy for one’s mind and emotions.
Therefore, it is advisable to limit the time spent browsing social media and news sites during these hectic times. A great alternative is reading books or watching funny movies. Maybe even going out more, or meeting up with friends and family. There are many things anyone can do to stay entertained that don’t require the internet or social media.
2. Spend more time with loved ones
There are many things one can do to reduce anxiety. One of them is meeting with loved ones and having a solid support system of friends, family, and neighbors. Doing activities together such as walking in the park, watching a movie, and playing a game together as a family can significantly impact one’s mental health and wellbeing.
3. Practice self-care
It is not selfish to be more mindful of your inner needs. Taking care of oneself can take the form of meditation, for example. Meditation is a great way to wind down and adjust the things one is focusing on. It is also beneficial to assist one in letting go of the things that are creating anxiety. Thus, self-care in meditation can help reduce stress by entering a deep state of relaxation. It can also give a sense of peace and balance that can benefit both emotional wellbeing and one’s overall health.
4. Always look on the bright side of life
It may be challenging to find good things to think about during the current times. But there is always a ‘silver lining’ to everything. And seeing it can be beneficial in reducing anxiety. The world is scary already; find alternatives, or even support groups, like-minded people, that can help uplift the mood. Always find happiness every single day. Being more mindful of the little things we often take for granted can be a start. It could mean a simple cup of coffee with friends and family or seeing a cute dog on the way to school, or simply saying good morning to a stranger.
5. Live in the moment
Instead of worrying about tomorrow, enjoy every second of every day. No one can foresee the future or turn back time. Thus, it is advisable to try and stay at the moment as much as possible. This could mean enjoying the simple pleasures of life and continuously choosing happiness over sadness at the emotional crossroads.
Takeaway
It may be scary, especially now that there is no assurance about what will happen next in the world. But the good news is that everyone can control their emotions and minds. Anxiety is like a beast, but there are ways to win the inner battle without medication or the negative distractions of venting.
If the things mentioned above are impossible to do, try talking to someone you trust. A family member or a friend is an excellent place to start, but talking to someone professionally is also advisable. Avoid feeding the mind with negative thoughts; instead, focus on prioritizing mental, physical, and emotional health.
Good exercise can also help calm the mind. It does not need to be a rigorous exercise, but a simple breath in and breath out will do. Proper diet and regular sleep can also lessen anxiety.
It is good to stay up to date with the current situation, but if doing so can affect the mind, by all means, it’s fine to turn off the phone and focus on protecting one’s mental and emotional health.
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