Anxiety from world events?
There is a lot going on in the world right now, from pandemics to climate change to global conflict. It’s understandable to feel anxious during these worrying and uncertain times. But focusing on “worst-case” situations can lead to anxiety, stress and insomnia.
Here, we’ll explore how to support your mental health during Mental Health Week 2022, in a time of worry and uncertainty about what’s going on in the world.
Balance exposure to media
It is important to stay informed about current events. But the constant media coverage today can also be overwhelming. If you feel anxious when reading or watching the news, try to limit the amount you see. Check trusted news sources once or twice a day, then shut down and focus on other things. Avoid watching the news at night if it interferes with your sleep.
Remember that some news sources tend to sensationalise more than others. It’s also important to look beyond the headlines for a balanced and accurate perspective.
When things are uncertain, news sources can only talk about possible outcomes. So stay tuned, but try not to get bogged down in “what if” questions.
Focus on the things you can control
Whether the things that make you anxious are beyond your control is worth considering, as hard as it is to accept, worrying about things we can’t change doesn’t do us any good. Instead, try to focus on the things you can control and the positive changes you can make. Bupa’s worry tree can help you deal with this.
In times of crisis, one of the best things you can do is help those in need. This can be done by donating to charities, raising awareness for a cause, or offering practical help where possible.
Manage your emotions
Accept the fact that somethings can makes you uncomfortable or worried. This is natural when we think of global events, But try not to assume the worst possible outcome. Empathy is often a positive thing, but it’s imperative not to worry about others at the expense of your own health.
Some find it helpful to set a “worry hour” during the day if anxiety takes hold. If you find yourself worrying outside of this time, tell yourself to save it for your “worry time.”
Allow yourself to process your thoughts in this allotted time. You may find it helpful to write it down or consider if any practical changes could be made. For all worst-case scenarios, keep in mind that there may and often will be more positive outcomes. When the hour comes to an end, make sure you immediately move on and give yourself another task or activity to keep your brain busy.
Enjoy the here and now
We cannot predict what will happen in the future or how world events will affect us. But letting our worries get on top of us helps no one. Don’t let worry or stress interfere with your daily life and overall health. Make a special effort to eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep. Relaxation techniques like Bupa’s breathing exercises and mindfulness can also help.
As with any form of anxiety, focusing on the here and now can help. Take time to think about other things and do what you love. This can be a walk, pursuing a hobby, or spending time with loved ones. Living in the moment can help you enjoy life, even in times of worry and uncertainty.
Support for your mental health − with or without health insurance
Whether you have mental health cover with Bupa or not, you can turn to them for help.
Bupa can help in more ways than you might realise. Every year, nearly 30% of us suffer from a mental health problem. So many Bupa policies cover mental health as standard. In fact, Bupa cover more mental health conditions than any other leading UK insurer, even recurrent or long-term conditions. Plus as a member of the IoD you’ll benefit from an exclusive 10% discount on their Bupa By You policy.
To find out more please follow – https://www.iod.com/my-iod/about-the-programme/
Contact Insured Health for independent, impartial advice and your Bupa quote on 0800 030 8007
