It's all a bit of a shambles isn't it?

First the pandemic which resulted in isolation, anxiety, unemployment, illness and loss. Now, in comes the impending doom of a recession, sky high interest rates and rocketing utility bills.

There are wars going on, the Queen has died, and climate change is raining all over us.

Merry Christmas.

You may be feeling a bit out of sorts, or carrying constant anxiety, or even fear. It’s unsettling - this not knowing what’s to come and having no control over it.

So. What can we do to get through this period of uncertainty and not nice stuff? How can we look after ourselves right now?

We all have our own ways of coping, but here’s one to try if it resonates with you –

1. Control the controllable

• Write a list of the factors that are contributing to your worries i.e job, finances, family, wellbeing, whatever comes into your head.

• Now draw two columns alongside your list, 1) Control 2) Can’t control

• For each item on your list, think about what you can and can’t control about that particular area of concern and write it in the relevant column.

This simple exercise can enable you to reflect on how to feel more control in an unsettling time.

And the stuff you can’t control? Well that’s up to you. For me, it’s about accepting it’s not within my power to solve / do / fix, so I have to let go of it. I score that column out with a big fat red pen.

2. Fill your world with the stuff that makes you feel good

Have a think about when you feel the most content. What and who gives you energy and makes you feel good about yourself?

How can the things or people that make you feel good be prioritized into your schedule?

I can’t influence the decisions the Government make. I can’t stop people getting ill. I can’t stop leaders being maniacs. I can’t grow a money tree in our back garden. But what I can do is take care of myself, now more than ever.

So if you find you are feeling worried or anxious regularly, maybe reach out to someone. Be that a friend, family member, therapist or coach. You are not alone.