During this uncertain and sometimes frustrating period of time, we can allow anxiety to settle and even control us. On The Bearing Life® Podcast my guest, Dr. Les Carter, shared practices we can use to gently manage our anxiety and take defining steps through difficult seasons in order to reduce anger, depression, and domestic abuse.

  1. It’s okay not to know how to handle this stress and it’s okay to need help. You don’t have to be an expert on this. It’s helpful to acknowledge your frailty and know you cannot move through this on your own. Dr. Carter offers an online counseling resource if you need assistance to manage through this difficult time.
  2. If you struggle to sleep, rest can be more important than forcing yourself to get to sleep. Mindfulness practices and a few hours of rest can be extremely restorative for your peace of mind.
  3. Acknowledge the emotions that may be controlling you. Is it fear, anger, or control that feeds your anxiety? Sometimes we don’t know which emotions contribute to our stress. Are you more focused on the need to control external matters or internal matters? Take steps to respond to the things you can affect and let go of the things you cannot.
  4. Have a game plan to get through today. You can even break it down hour by hour and focus on the steps you need to take to walk through the day. Anticipate your vulnerable moments and plan your responses and reactions to other people. Be specific about how you will manage these interactions to help reduce your anxiety.

Make sure to listen to The Bearing Life® podcast to hear Dr. Carter’s most important strategy to manage anxiety.