In our chaotic, uncertain world, it is normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed. These science-backed techniques can help you build your resilience and find some calm.
There are times when the events unfolding around you can feel overwhelming. Whether it is the relentless cycle of bad news and seismic change taking place around the world, a tragedy at home or the daily pressure of keeping your head above water, the uncertainty that comes with such moments can leave you anxious and stressed.
To help you cope in such moments, the BBC’s science team have dug out some of the tips we have learned in recent years about dealing with adversity. From worrying constructively to watching horror films, here are nine ways you might find some resilience and calm amid the turbulence.
Tap into some untranslatable emotions
The words you speak can powerfully shape your inner life. Multiple studies have found, for instance, that using more precise terms to describe your feelings can help you to cope with life. Rather than simply saying that you are “stressed”, for example, you might identify frustration, anxiety, worry, or existential despair.
This capacity to differentiate between different feelings is known as “emotional granularity” – and it can bring benefits for both physical and mental health.