During difficult times, it can seem quite a challenge to live with our increased anxiety. We may feel helpless to control our lives and question what will happen to us in the future. We wonder how bad it will get before it starts getting better.

Make these a part of your life

I would like to suggest three practices we can make a part of our lives that will help. What is difficult about what is happening in the United States and internationally is that we often feel helpless to protect ourselves or loved ones. That leaves us fearful.

There is much to celebrate

I have started a gratitude moments practice that I find helps me remember that there is much in my life to celebrate. When I end some activity, I remember (as often as I can), to ask myself what I am grateful for in that activity. Then I express my gratitude for that.

For instance, sitting here at the computer writing this column, I am grateful that

• I can write my thoughts and they will be read by people I’ve never met
• I have the equipment to write this column and send it out
• I have a body that can type and sit here. 

Gratitude

Another example is looking out my window and seeing something beautiful in the view. Even if my view is not so lovely, I can be grateful for my eyesight, the sun or the rain. Taking a shower, I can be grateful for the water, the soap and those who made it, and my functioning body.

I thought of doing this one day when I was feeling discouraged.  I have found that as I remember to be grateful, my negative thoughts begin to fade. It’s not a quick cure-all and thoughts can still arise, but gradually, my day seems better.

Sleep easier

Another way of remembering to be grateful is to write a list of three or more things you are grateful for at the end of the day.  This can help to change your mood in the evening so you can sleep.

Empower yourself: Focus on someone else

Finally, in 12-step programs, if you are feeling down or afraid, it is recommended that you do something to help others. This is a wonderful thing to do for several reasons:

• it will help someone else
• you will feel good about yourself for being able to help another
• it will take the focus off yourself and your worries.

I believe this is also effective because our anxiety often comes from feeling helpless. When we help another, we are empowered.  Needless to say, we can share these ideas with our children and grandchildren.

Please send in your own experiences that have helped you in difficult times.  Let’s encourage each other!