22 - coping with the stress of watching war

This is a difficult time for everyone, especially the people in Ukraine who are in this war. 

This episode is for us who are on the sidelines looking from an outside perspective who also feel overwhelmed and a bit helpless watching what is happening. 

During these times the world can feel heavy with the weight of all this tragedy upon our shoulders. It can be difficult to deal with the full range of emotions that are flooding in.  

It’s surreal and feels out of sorts. 

I was watching the news the other day when they mentioned the first bombing and it made me gasp and shook me in disbelief. 

If I am feeling this overwhelmed at times and have a sense of helplessness and frustration, you might be feeling that too. 

What got me choked up was a meme I saw on Facebook of an 80-year-old going back into his country to fight for his family, especially his grandchildren. 

It makes all of the situations we are dealing with in the US pale in comparison. 

Now, before I continue, I am coming from the perspective of a Mindfulness coach, a registered nurse who has been a trauma nurse. I have seen horrific injuries from all different perspectives.

All of these experiences shape my decision and how I view this situation. 

It’s perfectly normal and it's okay to shed a few tears or be sad, frustrated, mad, scared, helpless, or even feel anxious or depressed. Seek help if this is the case. 

Recognize what you're feeling is valid, and it’s just as important to feel it. 

It seems the biggest emotion most of us are feeling besides sadness is helplessness. 

This makes it feel as though we can’t help in a meaningful way and that thoughts and prayers aren’t enough.

I get it, this is my frustration right now. You can take that frustrating energy and do something.

Action Suggestions

Support the Ukrainian people in your area.Connect with friends who need to talk. You can be a sounding boardReach out and volunteer with military personnel who are getting triggered by this war. Donate to Ukraine. (See link below) 

See shownotes for more suggestions 

If you have a few suggestions, let me know, I will be happy to provide them here. 

Taking care of yourself 

Check-in on yourself and make sure that you're channeling your emotions in a healthy and helpful way, and not harmful to yourself or others. 

Keep perspective too. 

Life is a string of seconds and minutes. You can only deal with life one second at a time. Breath into mindfulness and be present as much as possible, and consider where you are at.  

Take a deep breath in and exhale

So, before I go, listen closely and remember this ONE one thing. 

Your future is a thought, your past has passed, but your now is always here. 

Be mindful-one minute at a time.

 

Hugs, Cheryl 

Sponsors & Links Mentioned:

One Minute of Mindfulness.com Cheryl J Reynolds Coaching for stress, overthinking, or to develop a Mindfulness Practice. Do you have a busy mind that you want to calm down? 

Hey, do you think way too much? 

Well, I have a resource to help with that.  It’s a FREE PDF and I share five simple techniques that will help you to feel calmer and more focused,

Get this resource right here-----> Mindfulness for a busy mind 

Be Mindful my friend..one minute at a time.