Self-Care During Times of Global Tension: Finding Stability in Chaos
- Tracy Larson
- Apr 7
- 4 min read
When the World Feels Heavy, Your Well-Being Matters
It’s no secret that we live in stressful times. Global conflicts, economic instability, climate change, and humanitarian crises are always in the headlines. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or even hopeless, you’re not alone. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of the world and forget that your mental health deserves care too.
The truth is, you can’t control everything happening around you, but you can control how you take care of yourself. During times of global tension, prioritizing self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. It allows you to build resilience, regain balance, and continue showing up for yourself and others in meaningful ways.
Why Self-Care Is More Important Than Ever
When stress levels rise due to overwhelming news cycles, your nervous system stays in a constant state of alertness. This prolonged stress response can lead to burnout, anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues. By incorporating intentional self-care, you help regulate your emotions and protect your mental and emotional well-being.
Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant or time-consuming. Small, intentional practices can make a significant difference in your daily life. Here’s how you can prioritize self-care, especially during challenging global events.
1. Take Advantage of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
If your workplace offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), this can be a valuable resource. Many EAPs provide access to mental health counseling, stress management support, and financial guidance—often at no cost to you. When the world feels overwhelming, having a professional to talk to can provide clarity and relief.
If you’re unsure whether your workplace provides EAP services, consider asking your HR department or checking your employee benefits portal. Remember, these programs exist to support your well-being, so don’t hesitate to use them.
2. Set Healthy Boundaries with the News and Social Media
Doomscrolling—endlessly scrolling through distressing news and social media—can heighten anxiety and leave you feeling powerless. While staying informed is important, constantly consuming negative information can be mentally draining.
Consider setting boundaries around your media consumption, such as:
Limiting news exposure to specific times of the day
Choosing reputable sources rather than sensationalized headlines
Engaging with positive or solution-focused news to balance the negativity
If you notice that certain conversations or online spaces increase your stress levels, give yourself permission to step back.
3. Focus on What You Can Control
When global events feel out of your hands, redirect your energy toward meaningful actions. Even small efforts can make a difference, such as:
Volunteering for a local cause that aligns with your values
Supporting businesses that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices
Recycling and reducing waste to contribute positively to the environment
Helping a friend, neighbor, or coworker in need
By taking actionable steps, you shift from feeling powerless to feeling purposeful.
4. Spend Time in Nature
Nature has a profound effect on mental health. Studies show that spending time outdoors can reduce stress, lower anxiety, and improve mood. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a weekend hike, or simply sitting outside with a cup of tea, immersing yourself in nature helps ground you.
Consider visiting a Canadian National Park or exploring local trails in Prince George, BC. Even a few minutes outside each day can help you reset and reconnect with the present moment.
5. Prioritize Rest and Relaxation
Chronic stress can disrupt sleep patterns, increase muscle tension, and lead to exhaustion. Creating a self-care routine that includes rest is crucial. This might include:
Practicing mindfulness or meditation to calm the mind
Engaging in gentle movement like yoga or stretching
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine to improve sleep quality
Using breathing exercises to relieve tension
If you find yourself struggling with stress, anxiety, or burnout, working with a therapist can provide additional support. HML Wellness Solutions offers mental health counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for stress relief, and anxiety therapy in Prince George, BC to help you navigate difficult times.
6. Avoid Harmful Conversations
Sometimes, engaging in discussions about global events can lead to frustration, stress, or even conflict. If you find yourself feeling emotionally drained after certain conversations, it’s okay to set limits. You don’t have to debate every issue or justify your feelings to others. Protecting your energy is an act of self-care.
Instead, seek out supportive and understanding people who help you feel heard rather than overwhelmed. If necessary, change the subject or politely excuse yourself from discussions that leave you feeling worse.
7. Seek Professional Support When Needed
If global stressors are impacting your daily life, mental health therapy can provide valuable tools to manage your emotions. Working with an experienced mental health therapist in Prince George, BC can help you:
Develop coping strategies for managing anxiety and stress
Process difficult emotions related to current events
Build resilience and emotional regulation skills
You don’t have to navigate these feelings alone. Whether it’s anxiety therapy, PTSD support, or depression counseling, getting professional support can help you feel more grounded and in control.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve to Prioritize Your Mental Health
In times of global tension, it’s easy to neglect your own well-being while worrying about the world. But taking care of yourself isn’t avoidance—it’s a way to ensure you have the strength to keep moving forward.
Self-care is an ongoing practice, and there’s no “right” way to do it. The key is to find what works for you and make it a priority, even when things feel uncertain. You deserve peace, stability, and support—no matter what’s happening around you.
If you’re struggling with stress or anxiety, reach out to HML Wellness Solutions today. Our compassionate therapists specialize in helping you manage stress, build resilience, and prioritize your mental health.
Reach out to us today for help.
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