We are all in a time of great stress, and national disasters often create fear. If these fears are not addressed, they can lead to “acting out” behavior, such as drinking too much or creating relationship, job, or money problems as a distraction. To avoid these types of problems, follow these simple steps to solve your fear and anxiety.

1. Learn to recognize the signs of your own anxiety. If you can’t sleep, worry a lot, “ruminate” or dwell on negative possibilities, or are unusually irritable or needy, you’re probably anxious.

2. Give yourself the opportunity to complain and express your fear. When faced with the unintended changes that are the result of a disaster, you will have some resistance and objections to dealing with it. Allow yourself some time to complain and feel unhappy about the situation. Express as many negative feelings and thoughts as possible, either verbally or in writing. If your fear is really overwhelming, a therapist can help you with this part.

3. Evaluate your fears and complaints. Allow yourself some time to consider the items you made on your list. Is there something you can do differently? You want? Have you made all the choices you can? Are you thinking clearly about the problem? Are you angry with someone in particular? Do you resist unnecessarily? If you have a choice, do you still want to change things? If you have no other option, can you see some alternatives? Do your options look different to you now?

4. Make friends with yourself to build trust. Discuss the problem with yourself the same way you would with another friend. Brainstorm realistic or even silly ideas about what you could do to make things better. For example:

• I could move to Timbuktu and avoid everything.

• I could talk to Harry and see if he can help me think about this.

• You could ask Martha for help.

• I could find a Genie and ask him to improve all of this.

• I could win millions in the lottery and be able to buy my security.

• I could get on with my life, doing the best I can, and trust God to take care of me.

5. Do your best to check the facts about safety and consider every possibility to take care of yourself and your loved ones.

6. Review and decide. Once he has expressed his anger and disappointment, assessed his feelings, exchanged ideas, and checked the facts, he will feel much more responsible for himself and this situation. Review what you have discovered and make some decisions.

7. Sell yourself with a positive result. Think of all the great results possible from the changes you are making. Consider what you will learn from it. Find out how you can maximize the benefits of making the switch. When you’ve convinced yourself, commit to your plan.

8. Post and follow your plan. Make a plan to get the best possible results from this change. Put the plan where you can see it and read it every day. Do your best to follow the plan, so you will feel safe. – taken from The 10 smartest decisions a woman can make before 40. https://tinyurl.com/yd66ab4e