2. Focus on what you can control
“Focusing on what you can control helps shift activity from the emotion-focused limbic system (the areas of your brain that regulate your emotions) to the more rational prefrontal cortex,” which controls higher-level thinking like planning and decision-making, Nelson says.
Ask yourself: what small thing can I do today? “Whether it’s donating, volunteering, or having a meaningful conversation, action calms the nervous system,” says Nelson.
This is especially helpful when dealing with large-scale fears or uncertainties, such as climate change or conflicts abroad, says Kaitlin Christy, AMFT, APCC, a therapist with a master’s degree in clinical psychology at Sawtelle Psychotherapy Group in Los Angeles. “I think it’s important to recognize our personal limitations in any given situation,” she notes. “Taking small, meaningful actions on a global issue that you think is important can help focus attention on what we can do rather than focusing on what we can’t change. »
For example, she says, if you’re worried about climate change, consider volunteering to clean up your local beach or finding ways to reduce waste in your home.
Nelson also recommends connecting on a community level. “Belonging relieves stress,” she says. “A shared concern can be transformed into collective responsibility. »
