We have witnessed a trend of people being ruder than what it seems like it has been before. And each month it seems to get worse than the month before. What seems inevitable from this increasing swell of rudeness and anger has resulted in an increase in violent acts. Anxiety and displaced anger (and, of course) the pandemic have all been blamed for this building toxic energy. What do we do, then, given the fact that we are not out of the pandemic yet? I say, CHOOSE KINDNESS. Sure, it takes more energy to invest and commit to utilizing or learning emotion regulation and stress management skills, but honestly it is imperative to our healing.
Consider the following the next time you feel anxious, angry or have the urge to be rude:
Stop and take a moment. Don’t make your bad day someone else’s bad day. Take a deep breath and walk away if you cannot control your emotions or your behavior.
Take care of your needs. Make sure you are sleeping well. Sleep has been majorly impacted since the pandemic. Sleep is essential to our effective functioning so make sure you consider ways to get better sleep.
Manage your anxiety by creating a routine, institute better work boundaries, try engaging in more creative activities while confined to the home, start a mindfulness practice, journal about your feelings or see a mental health professional.
And make a choice and choose to be kind. In case you forget how to, here’s a sweatshirt and shirt to help you remember. ;-) Available at www.drshawnblue.com