How This Austin Anxiety Therapist is Coping With Current Events
If things feel like they are on fire right now, you’re not alone. The news is a lot. It’s heavy, and I’ve noticed myself filled with a lot of emotions. Fear, anger, sadness, and disgust consume me as I scroll through social media or watch the news. During these turbulent and uncertain times (are we tired of saying “unprecedented?”), I have found myself needing to be consistent with my coping skills. Below are a few things that I am currently doing as an anxiety therapist in Austin to regulate my nervous system, feel my emotions without letting them consume me, and be more present in my personal life.
Limiting Social Media
Y’all. This has helped me SO much. If you’re like me, social media is primarily for news, following my BRAVO shows and housewives, and scrolling through family and friends’ posts. But lately, I’ve noticed that I get off social media in a worse mood than when I opened the dang app. I’ve unsuccessfully tried to go on a “social media break” in the past but usually find myself getting back on it after a few days. This time, I set a limit on my phone so that I could not open the apps.
At times, I found myself reaching for my phone and trying to open the app out of habit, but it was much easier than I thought. I found myself with more time (no surprise), was more present with my husband and daughter, and more productive with work. Most of all, I wasn’t constantly inundated with news, which greatly helped my mood and regulated my nervous system. Going on a “social media break” didn’t mean that I did not care what was going on in the world; it meant that I was turning towards myself and my loved ones in a time where we are inundated with grief, loss, and trauma.
Regulating My Nervous System
We are not meant to constantly be in a state of anxiety, fight or flight. And the news and recent events are likely taking a toll on your nervous systems, whether you know it or not. There are so many different ways to regulate your nervous system and move from a state of fight or flight or out of freeze and disconnected to feeling more present. My go-to regulation strategies have been yoga, being outside in nature, and going on walks with my daughter. Regulation strategies are aimed at getting you out of your head and connected with your body. Other ways to regulate your nervous system can be engaging in deep breathing exercises, meditation, humming a song, and moving your body in ways that feel good and are accessible to you.
Connecting with Loved Ones
It can be so hard to connect with loved ones when we live a busy and full life and the news can certainly make it hard to be emotionally and mentally present. Finding time to connect with my partner by watching a funny show or Facetiming my friends has helped me feel less alone in my feelings. Connecting with loved ones, who we know are emotionally and physically safe, can also be a way of regulating our nervous systems. This is known as co-regulation. So while you can certainly use strategies on your own to regulate your nervous system, co-regulation, the process of regulating with a safe person, is just as powerful.
Realigning with My Values
Like a typical therapist, I have a lot of therapy books I want to read and little time to do so. However, one book I am currently reading is about values and it has helped me get clearer on what my values are and what I want my life to look like. Some of my values include slowing down to more present (in my relationships, with myself, and with my clients), spending time being present in nature, and making sure I am taking care of myself (and those around me). Getting clear on your values can provide you with a guide on how you want to live, especially during times of uncertainty.
Going to My Own Therapy
As a therapist who sees a therapist (is she the godmother of all therapists??), having a space to process current and past events is beyond helpful. When times are uncertain and we are in a state of divisiveness, it can be easy to resort to unhelpful patterns or coping skills (e.g. doomscrolling, etc.). By meeting with a therapist, you can learn how to regulate your nervous system, set helpful boundaries, and process your emotions in a safe and healing way.
Final Thoughts
The world is a lot and you are not meant to take it all in. I hope this blog inspires you to take care of yourself as much as you can during these uncertain and tumultuous times. Turn off the news, spend time in nature, make your favorite meal, or connect with love ones. Whatever it is for you, I hope you find ways to take good care.
Calm Your Anxiety Therapy for Anxiety in Austin and throughout the state of TX!
Life is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you have found that the news, current events, and life is just too much. I would love to hear from you.
Ready to make a change?
1. Send me a brief message here!
2. I’ll reach out shortly and we will schedule a brief consultation call to ensure that therapy with me will be a good fit.
Other Services Offered by Dr. Molly Moore of Moore Psychotherapy, PLLC
Are you a high-achieving woman who struggles with anxiety, impostor syndrome, and burnout? I’m Dr. Molly Moore, a licensed psychologist in Austin, TX who specializes in working with high-achieving women just like you. In addition to helping clients ditch anxiety with Therapy for Anxiety, I also help women overcome self-doubt and feeling like a fraud with Therapy for Imposter Syndrome. Therapy for Burnout is for women who are exhausted—emotionally and physically—to find relief and be productive without sacrificing their needs. In my practice, I provide Online Therapy in Texas. To learn more about me and the work I do, check out my About Me page and my blog.