GLOBAL CRISIS, LOCAL CRISIS, MENTAL CRISIS?

Entrepreneur Advice, Startup, Leadership, Mental Health

When reading the headlines or scrolling through social media accounts, you get hit with one piece of bad news after another. Social circles and Whatsapp groups fuel the conversation further. It seems as through everywhere you look, there is an element of uncertainty and a cloud of ambiguity looming.

Embrace, the mental health NGO, shares expert tips here, on how to cope with such circumstances.

So what does uncertainty mean to you?

Uncertainty presents you with a range of possible outcomes, and each of the outcomes exist beyond our comprehension. It can also feel like you are missing something, but not quite sure what it is. What uncertainty isn’t, is a lack of confidence or risk. It is just not knowing in which direction to head, if any.

However, different people perceive, respond and adapt to uncertainty differently. It mainly depends on core personality traits. Those that can tolerate uncertainty typically are more comfortable with the unknown and usually think about things from a complex standpoint. These individuals are more open to new experiences and tolerate ambiguity better than most.

How can you navigate?

So with the global Corona Virus from one end, economic crisis from another, a generally bleak outlook and conversations about the Lebanese Pound that many unwillingly are a part of, how do you operate with so much uncertainty?

Here are tips for better self-care:

  • Your health matters. It doesn’t only matter for your sake, but for those around you, your family, friends, colleagues and social circles.
  • Activism is not for everyone. Activism can really create solid bonds between people, uniting them under a common cause. However, it can be overwhelming for others, when they feel that they are literally ‘lost in the crowd’. Know what works for you and what causes you can relate to.
  • Take breaks often. Step away from whatever you are doing when you are overwhelmed and try to channel your thoughts back to a safe space.
  • Check in with friends. Isolating yourself in such times, especially with lower energy levels, can be the simplest option. But as humans, we need connections to thrive and discuss issues that are important to us.
  • Sleep. But not too much. Prioritizing sleep is vital. If you suffer from a lack of sleep, you are more irritable and less focused the next day.
  • Anxious? It’s normal. Acknowledge that we are living in less than normal times. Nothing seems to look or feel the same around you. But that is ok. It is ok to feel a worried, scared or anxious. But monitor these levels so they don’t consume you. Only you know your threshold and when you really need a break.
  • Lastly, use the weekends to disconnect. Make mental notes to not work or listen to the news, or scroll on social media. Our brains need time to relax and be recharged for the next week.

Remember that each person has his or her own rhythm. Listen to your body and mind, and do what works best for you.

When reading the headlines or scrolling through social media accounts, you get hit with one piece of bad news after another. This can have an impact on your mental health... so how can you...
Scroll to Top