By Jenna Hendriksen, MA, MFT-LP As a country, we are suffering. We are overwhelmed with emotion; trying to grasp what is going on in the world. Between Covid-19 and yet another act of police brutality shining light on racism and injustice in our country, we are feeling at a loss. Be kind to one another; It is important to remember we are all in this together. Here are some ways you can cope with what's going on in the world and contribute in a positive and meaningful way. Emotional Awareness and Expression. It is important to acknowledge our feelings as it pertains to the recent series of events. How are you processing each emotional experience? To truly understand how you are feeling, slow down and get curious about how your body feels in your emotion. Our emotions are a neurological experience and we explain it using feelings words. Most often emotion is felt in your heart, lungs and digestive system because the nervous system drives emotion through the body. Now you know where your emotion is held. Next, access the emotion stored in those places of tension. Name the feeling, name its root cause, perhaps even see what defenses the emotion leads you to do in behavior. And then what underlying messages are you telling yourself that calm or agitate your emotional state? And what behaviors are we proud of and feel guilty about? By: Jenna Hendricksen, MA, MFT-LP Right now we are experiencing a new norm. Something we have never experienced before which has left us in a place of confusion, uncertainty, and in a state of anxiety. We do not know what our world has in store for us and that is alarming. Fortunately, we do know that if you are not an “essential” worker you have one very specific job. STAY HOME. This is likely the only time in our lives that laying around in pajamas can save the world. However, the safety of your home does not mean your anxiety goes out the window. We are all feeling worried and it is valid. I saw a quote this week that caught my attention, and I challenge you to take a moment and think about it... “Try to remember that anxiety is a blend of fear and hope, and see if you can keep the hope part in mind too.” (unknown) |
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