When the economy is gyrating and mostly going down it creates fear and anxiety in our lives. Here are a few ideas that can be helpful in managing fear and anxiety:
- You can reduce your anxiety by accepting that many things are indeed out of your control. Your task now is to look for doable solutions in your personal situation.
- Remember that when people are stressed they are much more apt to revert to all or nothing thinking, imagine worst case scenarious, and fall into “if only I had” thinking. Catch yourself and if you find that you are doing that remind yourself that these are exaggerations.
- Decide what you can do now that would be helpful and ease some of the anxiety.
- For instance if you have decided to cut back on spending come up with a specific first step. Here is a simple example. For instance, you may decide to pack your lunch rather than buy your lunch at work. This is something that is immediately doable and will give you a sense of control. Then add other doable steps.
- Keep in mind that when worry and stress are managed the mind is freed to look for solutions.
I recently published at Ezine Articles ”Stress Management — Coping Skills for Couples in Uncertain Times,” which some of you may find helpful. There is also an article on “Handling Stress — Helping Children Cope in Uncertain Times.”
