Coping with Worldly Unrest

Wars, civil unrest, bombings, terrorism and other worldwide turmoil can trigger intense feelings inside of you, even if you're thousands of miles removed. With 24-hour news coverage, Internet reports and even the irrepressible office gossip, the tensions seem to become more real each passing day. How do we go about coping with this?

Before we know it these feelings can create uncertainty in us - fear over our future. As a result, we can feel anxious, irritable, insecure and even vulnerable. The intensity of emotions varies from minor stress that's relieved by a soothing evening walk to more severe symptoms that push people to seek medical treatment.

Although world events may be beyond your control, you don’t have to let them control how you cope and respond. By actively taking measures to manage your emotions, you may be able to feel safe — or at least safer — again. You can also work at building your resilience — the ability to make healthy adaptations when faced with unexpected or unwelcome events or changes.

Here are some practical strategies that can help you manage better during periods of uncertainty.


Limit your exposure to news

Up-to-the-minute news and information is available 24 hours a day. It's tempting to tune in or log on constantly, seeking the latest reports and images but all this information can be overwhelming. Beginning out of curiosity, too much exposure, even indirectly, to violence, destruction and death can build on underlying fear and insecurity.

To avoid overload, filter the type and amount of information you view or read. Monitor your reactions to news coverage. When the stress, sadness or anxiety begins, change activities. If you normally watch the evening news, don't spend the rest of the evening reviewing news sites on the Internet. If early morning newscasts get your day off to a sad start, listen to music or an audio book on the way to work, instead. Don't feel obligated to gather all the information you can; it's OK to take a break from television.

Another strategy to prevent information overload is be selective. Read just one newspaper or journal that summarizes key events - Christian Today is perfect for this! Much of what appears on TV newscasts and on the Internet and in newspapers is redundant. It is far more productive to find positive outlets in difficult situations. Focus on any ongoing relief efforts and aid work, and if it helps, why not get involved in these? It can produce a meaningful purpose from the aftermath of such dreadful events.


Nurture yourself physically, emotionally, spiritually

You may begin to wonder what difference another doughnut makes when people are being killed in gun battles. Or you may think smoking is a good way to unwind after hearing of another deadly bombing.

Many people find their daily habits slide when they're worried about their future. But it is important to continue to make caring for yourself a priority. Taking time to eat well-balanced meals, to get exercise and to get sufficient rest helps your body recover from stress and emotional turmoil. Exercise and physical activity can reduce these. Most importantly, eating well is a fundamental of life - when you can tend these simple things you are better able to cope with the more stressful events around you.

Why not breath some fresh air into your daily routine and the cycle of bad news? Go for a walk with your elderly parents, play with your children, start a new hobby, take a cooking class. Allow yourself to have some fun despite worldwide turmoil. And if your faith and spirituality are becoming dry, nurture them and find your comfort, reassurance and hope in God. Above all, keeping these things and remaining optimistic about the future will allow you to see through any challenges.