Emotional and Mental

Coping strategies for when you're feeling overwhelmed by the world

Published: Feb. 26, 2025

Have you ever felt like the world is moving way too fast? Are the constant changes making you feel uncertain? With ongoing socio-political upheaval, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the relentless news cycle. You're not alone in feeling this way. Many of us struggle to maintain our mental well-being throughout you the chaos. Here are some proven strategies that can help navigate these challenging times.

Acknowledge the impact

Recognizing how stressors affect you is an important first step. Don't downplay your feelings. It's normal to feel anxious, angry, or overwhelmed. Allow yourself to experience these emotions without judgment. For example, you might think to yourself, "I'm feeling anxious about…"

Limit exposure

While staying informed is important, you have control over what you consume. The 24/7 news cycle means it’s important to set boundaries for your news consumption. Find ways to limit your exposure, choose reputable sources, and unfollow accounts that trigger stress.

Focus on what you can control

The scale of socio-political issues can leave us feeling powerless. Shift your focus to what you can control. While you can't solve larger national or global issues on your own, you can take small steps in your community, engage in respectful dialogue, or simply be kind to those around you.

Prioritize self-care

Self-care is essential and looks different for everyone. It should replenish your energy. Make time for exercise, healthy eating, sleep, and hobbies. Connect with friends and family that bring you joy. Self-care is crucial for your well-being.

Additional resources

Best Care EAP offers a wide range of on-demand content to help you manage stress, anxiety, conflict, and more. Log in with your company ID and password to access these valuable resources. You can also find a related video on the Resource Hub.

Best Care EAP counselors are here if you need more help

Best Care EAP counselors are trained to provide a safe space to process emotions and develop coping mechanisms. We’re here for you and your eligible dependents. Seeking help is a sign of strength. To get started, fill out the confidential counseling registration form. If you have questions, please call our office at (402) 354-8000 or (800) 801-4182, and we’ll be glad to help.

 

About the Author

Jean Faber has over 30 years of experience in the areas of employee assistance, training and consulting.  She has been with Best Care EAP since 1989 and oversees all aspects of Best Care EAP and associated programs. 

Education: BA and MA in Education

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