Showing Up During Stressful Times
I usually don’t write about current events. It’s not because I don’t think they’re important, or because I don’t keep up with what’s going on around me, but this platform is my escape from all that.
The thing is…I just can’t think about much else. The events of this past week really brought my anxiety up. I’ve never been as upset about things so far beyond my control as I was during one particular afternoon this past week (ahem Wednesday ahem).
But there’s nothing I can do about it. As frustrating as that might be, it’s the reality. So rather than fixate on it, I want to talk about what to do when life throws a bomb in your direction.
First of all, it’s OK to not be OK
Positivity gurus on social media will have you thinking you need to stay perky all the time. The goal is to be happy and motivated all. the time. You don’t have energy to waste on feeling anything other than a burning desire to be your best self 24/7!
…none of that.
Sometimes you need a day…a week…whatever…to check out, live in your feelings, and then re-center. The more you fight your frustrations, the more intense they’re likely to get, so let them be. Accept them for what they are - temporary emotions - and ride them out.
Remember that none of your goals or tasks have even the slightest chance of success if YOU are not OK first. The work will be there tomorrow…or the next day…or the day after that.
Channel your emotions into your work
The powerlessness we feel when things are happening that we can’t control can be debilitating. You feel like there’s nothing you can do so you want to just give in to that frustration. But there is something you can do.
Take those feelings and use them as fuel to propel you in the direction of something positive. Maybe your positive thing is as simple as going for a run so you can clear your head and explain a difficult situation to your kids or your partner. Or maybe you get hit with an amazing idea for a nonprofit that can help change an issue that you and your community are facing. Whatever it is, just know that you can take something that was meant to harm you, and turn it around for your good.
Give yourself grace
Life is hard. I know that’s not very motivating, or very original, but our society is so laser-focused on perfection that it’s become an expectation. In fact, if you haven’t bounced back from a life-bomb within a few days, you’re labeled as weak.
Don’t fall into that social media trap. People aren’t really out here juggling a million things, surviving life bombs, and doing it all with a smile on their face. Remember that social media is just a tiny sliver of someone’s life - a very well tailored one, at that. You don’t have to deal with your stress in any way other than the one that suits you, and sometimes just getting up, getting dressed, and showing up to work is all you can do for one day. And that’s OK.
You are doing amazing.
