In these unprecedented times, it’s essential to navigate our emotions effectively. I’ve always been adept at separating my worries. When my partner faced a serious health crisis, I managed to focus on daily responsibilities like school meetings and family events without dwelling on my fears. However, the current climate of uncertainty and stress has tested that ability. With the endless demands of remote work, homeschooling, and caring for children, I often find myself overwhelmed by anxiety, getting distracted by constant news notifications or the urge to check my phone.
In a recent discussion, Amanda Foster, the co-founder of a wellness platform, suggested a practical approach for anyone struggling with anxiety during these times. She proposed dedicating an hour each day to fully experience your feelings of fear and uncertainty. “Allow yourself that time to just freak out,” she advised. After that hour, you can close the mental door on those emotions and focus on your tasks. This method encourages a healthy release of pent-up feelings, which is crucial because repressing emotions can lead to physical health issues like insomnia, headaches, or even heart problems. It’s a structured way to acknowledge your feelings without letting them dominate your entire day.
As someone who typically excels at compartmentalization, I found Foster’s technique appealing. Instead of allowing anxiety to seep into my entire day, I decided to embrace my feelings first thing in the morning. Mornings, once reserved for my writing and reflection, had devolved into a chaotic mix of half-hearted work interspersed with social media scrolling. On my first attempt at this strategy, I brewed my coffee, returned to bed, and immersed myself in the news, contemplating all the household chores I was neglecting, the education of my children, and the well-being of family members.
However, I didn’t last the full hour. My mind soon drifted to lighter topics, and I had to pull myself back to my worries, creating a list of stressors that needed addressing. Surprisingly, while I missed the quiet morning routine, I noticed I reached for my phone less frequently, which allowed me to focus better on work and my children’s needs. The list I compiled helped me organize my day more effectively, shifting from vague anxiety to actionable tasks I could control.
Yet, there is a potential downside to this ‘hour of anxiety’ approach; getting stuck in a cycle of worry can be counterproductive. Dr. Benjamin Hayes, a clinical psychologist, emphasizes the importance of finding your own way through these challenges. “If allowing yourself to freak out provides relief, great! But if it leads to a downward spiral, that’s not ideal.”
It’s clear that many of us are experiencing varying levels of pandemic-related anxiety, and there’s no universal solution to cope with it. For some, setting aside an hour to confront those feelings may be beneficial, while others might prefer to address their anxieties in shorter bursts throughout the day. Some may choose to suppress their emotions until a more appropriate time. And that’s perfectly fine too.
For my part, I plan to use the ‘daily hour of anxiety’ technique on days when I want to disconnect from my phone and be more present with my family. Ultimately, it’s vital to acknowledge your feelings while still engaging with life. For more insights on managing emotions during these times, check out this helpful resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In conclusion, finding a balance between feeling your emotions and managing daily responsibilities is crucial. Embrace your feelings, but don’t let them consume your life.