Overwhelmed by Crisis and Struggle Out in the World? Empowering, In-The-Moment Self-Care Practices to Keep You Strong

Caregivers – don’t get much true vacation time – and when they do, they must return to “normal” operating mode: constant and intense activity, plus the stress of being responsible for one or more loved ones.

Add to this the frequent bombardment by unexpected, stressful news on any given day. As much as it may be painful to watch or listen to, we often feel compelled to pay attention. As human beings we are naturally wired for empathy, so we care about others’ pain and suffering.

Sometimes simply paying attention to what others are going through feels like a way to stand with them in spirit, even though they will never know we did so. By following the development of a given crisis, we also learn how we might be able to handle a similar situation, or protect ourselves and our loved ones from similar challenges.

Most of us can’t pay attention to the intensity of the stresses discussed in the news on a daily basi without our emotions being stirred up, and we may feel immense fear, upset, sadness and grief that we can’t easily let go.

The daily 24/7 news cycles bring us a bombardment of stressful, frustrating and often overwhelming news.  Topics from politics, climate change, immigration, guns and crime, we are living in very overwhelming, stressful and often scary times on many levels for many people.

And we breathe…

It is natural to care and care deeply…AND I strongly encourage you to protect your peace of mind, by backing off from continually listening to news updates and any other communications that stir up anxiety and tension within yourself.

Then choose the thoughts, beliefs and actions that will help you keep your stress levels to a minimum. To help you do this, the best recommendation I can make is to read the powerful self-care practices I shared in an article on my blog back in 2015, called “Self-Care in Times of Crisis and Extreme Emotions.”

With the right activities and practices that are restorative, that relax you and have a quieting effect on your thoughts, you can maintain a healthy and empowering level of loving/compassionate detachment.

Understand that while others may be in a distressed state, the best thing you can do is not join them there. Wish for them that they will receive the support and help they need to get through their challenges – send out your positive thoughts to them. If you choose, send aid, post messages of support, sign petitions if that’s what is needed, and support those who are in positions to provide help…

As you send supportive and compassionate messages out, you will feel a shift within yourself as well – because your focus is on a positive message rather than a worried or negative one. Bring yourself back to that point of view as soon as possible whenever you feel yourself getting upset again. This takes practice, so please be patient with yourself, and make sure you provide yourself with compassion to help overcome feelings of powerlessness and frustration…

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