Those around East Africa, particularly Kenya, have seen an escalation of protests in the past few days. Protests that have surprised many, leading to a surprising turn of events. The youths in the country have taken the lead in speaking out against injustices being meted out by the current government. The protests have unfortunately resulted in the loss of lives, leaving others maimed or hurt.
We’ve been anxious, nervous, concerned, and sometimes fearful (at least for the majority). Of course, it’s not the first time we’ve been here; we’ve been here before, and possibly we’ll be here once again in the future. It is part of the seasons of life. We’ve gone through emotional election seasons in the past that have made our blood boil.
Let's face it: it can be overwhelming. Social media has been a burst with updates and videos, some infuriating, while others making you feel like you belong. In some WhatsApp groups that I belong to, we’ve nearly insulted each other, while in other groups, we’ve pretended to be silent observers to avoid challenging some individuals who are otherwise aligned (true story).
These are easy recipes for Chronic stress. Chronic stress can take a toll on our physical and mental health. It can weaken our immune system, increase our risk of heart disease, and exacerbate anxiety and depression. With all the emotions and adrenaline, we can easily make poor choices and decisions.
There are seasons that come in life when you feel like all storms have come against you in a perfect storm to finish you. It's easy during these times to feel overwhelmed and powerless, especially when we have little to no control of what's happening around us. The world may seem chaotic, and our ability to influence the larger picture may appear minimal.
Focus on what you can control
It is precisely in these challenging seasons that focusing on what we can control becomes essential. By taking proactive steps, we not only improve our well-being but also positively impact those around us. This is not a political article, so we’ll not focus on the political angle of what you can do in this case. I shall leave that to others.
The other way one can keep sane is by focusing on what you can change. Focusing on what we can't change only fuels our stress. Instead, let's shift our focus to what we can control: our thoughts, actions, and reactions. This isn't about ignoring the world's problems; it's about creating a safe space within ourselves to navigate them with strength and resilience.
As much as we are affected by what’s going on around us (hopefully not as directly as loss of lives or health), it might help us to channel our energy and emotions on what we can control. Not to belittle the current emotions as they are valid, but to try to make it easier for ourselves and our loved ones.
The sun will still rise and the sun will still set. Days will come and go, months will come and go. There’s much you can do to make sure those days are not spent in darkness and gloom. By focusing on what you can control, you gain some sense of control in your life. Things like your health and wellness – exercise and healthy eating are things that cannot be wished away. It’s also a good way to reduce stress.
You could connect with your loved ones, check up on them, and encourage those who are affected or feeling lost. Reach out to those you’ve always wanted to reconnect with. You could focus on prioritizing your nutrition, resting, and staying hydrated. Most importantly, taking a digital detox will go miles in helping you gain some sense of control. The temptation to keep yourself up to date can be high in these situations, but this only fuels your anxiety.
The negativity around you can turn you into a bitter person, making it difficult to see the good that surrounds you. Take a moment to appreciate the small things and joys in life; a beautiful sunrise, a friendly smile, a good laugh, the chattering of innocent voices. Gratitude is a powerful antidote to negativity.
Most importantly, remember, you are not alone in this. Everyone is navigating this challenging time. By focusing on our inner strength, taking care of ourselves, and finding moments of peace, we can rise above the storm and reclaim a sense of control.
Let's build a foundation of resilience, one calming breath, and one mindful step at a time.
Remember, you can still be informed and engaged without being consumed. Choose your news sources wisely and limit your daily intake. By prioritizing your well-being, you're not just taking care of yourself; you're empowering yourself to weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.
