I spoke to a client recently who was finding that the lifting of lockdown restrictions and scenes of large groups of people in public places were increasing her anxiety.
I am sure that there are many people who are feeling exactly the same.
So, what can you do to help yourself feel less anxious about what is going on in the world around us, and more in control?
The good news is that there are several things you can do, one of which is to look at all of the things that you have direct control over.
You see, our nervous system is hard-wired to look for danger. Seeing scenes of what your brain perceives to be dangerous is a natural response.
It’s why many of us also find looking at pictures of (or seeing first-hand) people being too close to the edges of cliffs difficult to watch. It’s also why the dangerous scenes in films are the most exciting.
Notice all of the things that are making you feel anxious right now – and write them into 3 lists; those you can influence or control, those that you are concerned about but can’t influence, and everything else. You can also draw this into three circles, using the template in the attached file.
Take time to notice how looking at each of those columns or circles makes you feel.
If you spend most of your time focussing on the first column, or your inner circle, you will probably find that your anxiety will decrease – because you can take action. Be aware of the things in the second column, as these are the things that concern you but you can’t do anything about right now, but there may come a time when you can. Let go of all of the things in the ‘Everything else’ column or beyond your circles, because you can’t do anything about them, and they are most often the things that will increase your anxiety, for that very reason.
See how you get on and do let me know in the comments.
With love,
Zoe x
