Weathering the Storm of Change

Rainbow in storm clouds

 

Weathering the Storm of Change

Learn to stay positive and keep your spirits high with these tips for tough times. 

With all the news that is happening in the UK and the world, from gloomy media reports as well as comments left on websites, social media platforms and forums, it can be heart wrenching to see the confidence and faith of people being torn apart helplessly.

But uncertainty does not have to result in fear. It can also represent freedom from what has been inhibiting our lives and perhaps provide opportunities for growth.

By consciously connecting to your mind and mental state you can achieve a new level of self- awareness and learn to build resilience, find healing and create a new version of your life in a shared world.

If you are going through tough times, remember that you always have a choice no matter what the circumstance may be. And the choice is this:

You can either choose to let panic feed on your mind and body, and let it grow stronger at the expense of your health and wellbeing…

Or, you can choose to see your situation in perspective, stay positive, and end the panic there and then.

But how do you withstand the huge waves of a crisis and disruption in our society, let alone being positive about it, especially as it can seem that it’s coming at you from all directions. Here are a few ways to consider taking control.

 

Pebbles on beach

 

Don’t be a victim. 

It can be easy to assume the role of a victim during tough times and sometimes we ask, “why me?” or “what about me?” The longer we stay in this mindset the longer the suffering continues, and we may also put up a barrier to those who can help us.

When we let go of the victim label it helps to let go of resentment and bitterness which can hinder the positive and creative energy we need to get out of the mess.
Take stock of the situation. 

Put into perspective what is really happening and your response to the crisis. Learn to see the crisis for what it really is. Begin by practicing understanding and compassion, how to relax and bring the anxiety levels down. Be able to ask yourself:

“What is being reported in the news and how is it affecting me? Are my fears and worries real or imaginary? If they are real, what can I do about them?”

 

Wild flowers

 

Focus on the positives. 

No matter how dire a situation may be, there are always some positives you can find in it: –

  •  Savour the small moments. The feel of the sunshine on your skin. The smell of coffee, the sound of the birds, the colours of the flowers, the laughter of a child
  •  Realise who you do have in your life, your family and real friends. Reach out to them and talk to them and appreciate them.

 

Give thanks.

Having listed the positives you can think of, give thanks for the things that you do have. It won’t be easy to be thankful in the face of harsh challenges, but focusing on what you do have, instead of what you have lost, will put you in a better position to solve the problems on hand.

 

Candle

 

Reach out to others. 

Who do you know that has been severely affected by the crisis? Some may have lost their jobs because their companies were put out of business, or their own businesses have suffered, while others may have suffered huge loss in the way of losing family or friends.

Talk to them, listen, and if it is within your means, offer your help, however small it may be. Helping others who are less fortunate than you also helps you to put things in perspective. And who knows, they may be the ones who can lend you a helping hand when you need it?

Get enough sleep. 

During stressful times, we’re likely to skip on sleep, either voluntarily or not. But in reality, we need more quality sleep during stressful times to ensure we can recharge our batteries and remain relaxed clear-headed and focused.

 

Limit bad news intake. 

Being constantly fed with gloomy news is enough to make even the most calm person panic for no reason. Hearing bad news once is enough, not ten times a day, of the same news, in different versions, from every gadget that you own!

 

Ripples in water

 

Join forces with others. 

When bad things happen, it’s easy to become close-minded. But chances are, you are not alone during difficult times. There are likely to be many people who feel the same way as you do even though they may not voice it out loud.

For instance, if you are worried about job security, recruit the help of your boss or an HR person by discussing the implications and how it affects your job and what positive measures you can take. Your boss will appreciate your proactive approach and may even be glad that there is someone who shares the same sentiment.

If you are unemployed or self- employed, besides making trips to recruitment and government agencies, connect with others who are in the same boat as you. Take this lull period to expand your network and re-evaluate your skills.

The many talented friends that you will make during hard times could become lifetime friendships, and even turn into unexpected help in the future. And if you are an employer, this is a great time to boost your business with skilful and experienced people to help you ride out the crisis.

 

trees in forest

 

Get close to nature. 

Research has found that spending time in your favourite outdoor area and woodlands are more relaxing and restorative than time spent in your favourite urban settings. Taking a mindful walk through the woods is also a great way to clear the mind and regain mental balance.

Re-evaluate the priorities in your life. 

Tough times can present difficult but valuable lessons offering the opportunity to re-evaluate what’s important in our lives. You may ask yourself:

“Are the goals I’ve been striving for before the crisis really worthwhile? Through these times what are the things that I’ve found to be really important?

 

Heart shaped cloud

 

The way we think influences the way we feel.

I help my clients to boost their positive emotions which helps to increase serotonin levels – the feel-good neurotransmitter that helps to elevate your mood and make you feel calm and relaxed. Helping cognitive flexibility to solve problems, make decisions and increase creativity.

Every dark cloud has a silver lining, take this opportunity to strengthen that lining to improve your mental health and come out of this storm stronger than before.
Be free to fly wave

When you book an Initial Consultation, I provide a full explanation on how hypnotherapy works and how it may help you.

Email: info@carolineevanshypnotherapy.co.uk

Tel: 07765 692 072
 
  
I do hope you found this information of interest. If you know someone who may benefit from it, then please feel free to pass on my details or share this information with them.