Fear, doubt, and vulnerability are all normal, healthy reactions to current world events. We are constantly being bombarded with both ambiguous and unambiguous messages about how we should react. Constant exposure to these and other messages can leave us feeling uncertain about the future and have a negative emotional effect on our health. To help you cope with anxiety and other feelings Counseling & Consultation recommends the following steps to help you take care of yourself.

1) Limit the time you spend watching/reading the news. If you tend to feel more anxious after watching a news show or reading a newspaper, then limiting the amount of time spent on those activities might reduce your anxiety. For example, you may limit your time to half an hour a day or less. Alternative activities could focus on relieving stress and increasing enjoyment such as spending time with friends, playing video games, getting a massage, going to the movies, reading something fun, working out, or doing yoga.

2) Limit the time you spend discussing world events. In addition to rumors and gossip about what might happen, just discussing news reports can be stressful. Make a pact with family and friends to limit the amount of time you discuss world events with them. You may even have to decide to not discuss current events with some individuals because the emotional intensity of the conversations may be overwhelming for you.

3) Spend time reflecting on the impact these events have had on you. Sometimes you may not be certain about what you’re feeling. In that case, you may need to spend time sorting out our feelings and needs. Journaling or talking with a friend or family member about how you feel may help you to be more aware of how you are coping and whether you need to adopt alternative coping strategies. For example, you may feel numb, and that, too, is a normal feeling to have. Coping with numbness might be different from how you cope with anxiety.

4) Increase your self-care activities. We mentioned working out as a healthy distraction. Depending on your emotional, spiritual and physical health habits, you may want to engage in more regular physical activity, relaxation experiences, and/or spiritual practices. Sometimes believing in a higher, positive power can offer us a different and comforting perspective on our current situation.

5) Focus on those aspects of your life that are within your control. Anxiety is often in response to uncertainty/doubt we experience about the future. You can shift your attention from those uncertain aspects of your life to activities that are more within your control such as your academics, work, volunteer services, extracurricular activities, and relationships.

6) Maintain healthy habits. Keep getting sufficient sleep and eating healthily. When your body is neglected, it’s harder to cope with stressful situations.

7) Seek a balance between being and doing. Some of us cope better with intense feelings when we are able to engage in problem-solving methods. Others cope by keeping busy and distracting themselves from their feelings. Still others deal with stress by allowing themselves to experience it, but they may not feel a strong urge to “do something” about the source of stress. You have to determine which strategy works best for you. This may involve experimenting with different approaches.

8) Seek help when needed. Sometimes we have a tendency of letting a concern about burdening someone else with our “problems” to prevent us from seeking help when needed. If that is your situation there are several possible solutions. One, select someone who you believe can handle hearing about your struggles. Two, find someone who may be more accessible such as a spiritual advisor, counselor, or mentor. And, three, remember, sometimes focusing our attention away from our struggles and onto someone else’s can be a welcomed distraction. Helping someone else even when we feel burdened may also give us insight into our own struggles.

9) Keep living your life Your life doesn’t have to stop just because of threats of war or terrorism. Keep pursuing your interests and dreams. Sometimes all we can do is act as if things are normal until they actually return to normal.