In times of significant uncertainty, the constant barrage of news and information the world surrounds us with on a daily basis can feel overwhelming. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year Jewish Family Services of WNY’s Vice President of Behavioral Health & Wellness Programs Dr. Kathryn Diebold shares some tips for navigating anxiety about the news. If you’ve been feeling stressed or anxious, using some of these tools the next time those feelings arise can help soothe your stress so that you breathe easier. 

This might look like only checking the news once per day, limiting reading news to one hour per week, or turning off new notifications on your phone. Be sure to take social media breaks, too!

When everything feels like it’s out of your control, make a list of the things that are in your control or a gratitude list of everything that you are thankful for in your life. Building this habit helps to promote positive thinking in daily life, even when that seems challenging.

It’s common to feel like you should be doing more to make change happen. Instead of judging yourself or feeling that you aren’t doing enough, look at what good you are doing in your life, for your community, and for the world. If you have the bandwidth and want to do more, consider volunteering or finding another meaningful way to engage in your community. 

Use your supports—family, friends, community groups, faith community. Community is the opposite of isolation. Think about what support from your community might look like for you, and draw on it when you need to.

Engage in self-care—healthy sleep, exercise, maintain a healthy diet, get into nature for a walk, or practice mindfulness or meditation. Taking the time to care for your body and mind is incredibly important in terms of stress relief.

If you’re finding yourself searching for more ways to manage your stress or anxiety, click the button below to learn more about therapy at JFS. We’re here to help.