There is no doubt that we are living in times of change. Some of these changes we appreciate and enjoy, like the increasing availability of organic foods or technology that allows super-speedy connections. Many of these changes however are based on uncertainties. These uncertainties, when not in check, can become infused with fear. This fear can then breed unnecessary anxiety. Anxiety is not uncommon in times of uncertainty. However, it’s important to not let these anxious times become debilitating. Anxiety can be defined as a fear of an imagined future based event. It is a thinking condition with thoughts that something ‘might’ happen. Or the thinking can be even more profound with thoughts that something (usually negative) ‘will’ happen. When assumptions start to cloud ones mind ones behavior becomes affected. Unfortunately, compounding the other stressors already present in ones life.
There have been many reports that anxiety around the world is on the rise. Given the nature of political uncertainties, world financial shifts, civil conflicts and the bombardment of dramatized information, this is not surprising. What is not so apparent to many people though is that we can choose what to accept as a challenge to our life. It is possible to take control of your life even in times of change and it is not necessary to absorb all these challenges at once.
The problem with letting our negative emotions control our mind- which then control ours actions – is that it can inhibit rational thinking. Now, it is a fact that to react spontaneously is part of human nature. We are equipped with this wonderful biological mechanism through the fight or flight response system. This system serves us well in times of real danger. But what happens when we are bombarded with stressors through personal, local or world-wide negative events on a daily basis that are not an immediate physical threat but instead a mental threat? A kind of free-floating anxiety prevails and one can lose focus of the present and the ability to fully relax. The increase in anxiety can also lead to levels of hyper-arousal which can cause physiological breakdowns. How many ‘so-called’ challenges can a person take on? Well, you are your own best judge. Are you thinking of your problems more than your blessings? Are you losing sleep at night with obsessive worry? Do you react immediately in a defensive manner if things don’t go your way? These are just some questions you can ask yourself to determine whether you are taking on a multitude of challenges.
In summary, we are indeed living in exponential times. Each morning can bring about a new event causing more uncertainty. This reaction to the shift in world events will most likely be a continuum of things to come. Therefore it’s profoundly important that at this time, we start looking inside ourselves just as much as we are looking outside of ourselves. Learning techniques in mediation or just being in solitude in nature can provide a resting place for your mind to help ease tension. There is also the value of getting enough sleep. Good quality sleep. What is good quality sleep? Sleeping in a dark room with good ventilation, getting all the hours your body needs, not falling asleep in front of the TV and not going to bed angry. Sleep increases your judgment, creativity and memory. Other options to ease tension and anxiety are to make plans. Worrying doesn’t solve anything. It does not change situations or outcomes. The only way change comes about is through action. Instead of worrying, empower yourself by acting toward change. Worried about money? Create and implement a budget or seek professional financial counsel. Finally…Laugh! Try not to take your life so seriously. A sense of humor can help overcome the worry of life’s challenges by distracting the mind.
“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” ~ Charles R. Swindoll
