Sometimes, it feels like we live in a dystopian world—as if there’s nothing we can depend on. While the pandemic recedes, political views divide us; war rages across the globe, college campuses are hotbeds of unrest, and democracy appears to hang by a thread. No matter your political leanings, the polarization of it all is jarring. Even the weather betrays us.
Adding insult to injury, it feels as if we can’t find respite from our anxiety in the places we used to. Instead of the comfort of like-mindedness in the faces of our family and friends, we can see judgment. And while it’s easy to become frustrated and angry at those who don’t share our worldview, this only serves to turn up the volume on our anxiety even more. Afraid of what a life where the “other side” prevails would look like, we often dig in our heels instead of listening to one another.
Living in such an unsettled world, is it any wonder that we lie awake night after night, waxing nostalgic for times we fear may never return and worry in ways we’ve never worried before? Perhaps the basis for the anxiety we feel is fear, fear of our lives changing in ways we can’t control.
Whatever the reason for our worries, it’s no wonder that we often feel unsettled and out of sorts. While we can’t solve these global problems on our own, there are things we can do to release the valve on the pressure cooker of our lives, making our anxiety a bit more manageable:
- Take a news break. Negative things don’t seem as dark when we don’t expose ourselves to them as often. Refusing to glance at the headlines on our phones every five minutes and occasionally breaking the 24-hour news cycle can go a long way toward calming our nerves. Try watching something fun instead of feeding your news addiction.
- Accentuate the positive. Concentrate on the good things that populate your life. Start each day by listing three things you’re grateful for. If you feel there are fewer things you can count on, think about the people in your life who will be there for you no matter what.
- Create. Whether it’s writing a short story or painting a watercolor masterpiece, being creative is a great way to express yourself and will make it less likely that you’ll press the panic button when you’re feeling anxious.
- Engage. While the problems of the world around us can seem overwhelming, becoming active in your community can keep you from feeling powerless. If you’re worried about the current political landscape, volunteer to staff a phone line to get out the vote for the candidate of your choice. If climate change is causing you sleepless nights, do what you can to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Speak out with respect. If you disagree with someone who’s drawn you into a discussion of current events, try to listen and understand the other person’s point of view. Figure out where they’re coming from and seek common ground instead of trying to change their mind. Remember, they hold their beliefs as passionately as you do.
Our world has always been an ever-changing and evolving place, but it seems that change comes at the speed of light these days. Polarization abounds, separating us from each other during the very time when we need each other most. Perhaps if we spent more time reaching out to one another and a little less locked inside our devices and points of view, we might find ways to live together peacefully. If we try to become instruments of the change we want to see and focus on the positive things in our lives, we can keep our global worries in check, if not eliminate them.
References
Hatcher, Jon, MA (2022, July 20). Despite Our Anxiety, the World Isn’t Ending Yet. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/state-anxiety/202207/despite-our-anxiety-the-world-isn-t-ending-yet
About the Author
Charles Davis, MSW, has written for several academic publications and was a semifinalist for the 2023 Mason Jar Press 1729 Book Prize in Prose. He lectures on a variety of disability issues, including legal rights and sexuality. Mr. Davis also writes a blog on navigating loss and building a new life at: https://gayandgrieving.blog.