Several industries have had a rough time in the past two months, including the creative ones: clients leave, projects get delayed, and colleagues leave. All this raises concerns, for the present and the future.
It is easy to find ways to deal with feelings of anxiety on the Internet, but they are often aimed at calming, which is not always the right thing. When a sprout sprouts from a seed in the soil, a barely perceptible ripple appears on the surface of the earth, this is anxiety: it is useless to try to calm the excitement – you need to understand what exactly is growing and give it a place.
To get to the source of anxiety, recognize what feelings are, and do not confuse them. Modern researchers distinguish four basic feelings: fear, sadness, anger, and joy. Find a description of how most people deal with these feelings: physical sensations, thoughts, and anxiety.
If Anxiety is Fear
Action Plan:
- Ask yourself: What exactly am I afraid of?
- Calculate the probability of this happening – if desired, in percentage terms, according to your own assessment.
- Focus on realistic concerns.
- Make a plan: What do I do if something I fear happens? Creating a plan will help you reduce fear.
- If the probability of a terrible situation happening is small, but you are still afraid, arrange a dialogue between your fear and the “voice of reasoning”.
Example
Fear: “Soon people won’t have the money to take care of art and decor, and there won’t be any orders for my art!”
Voice of Mind: “Yes, it’s true that some clients will leave but in return, others will appear. There will always be people interested in beauty, art, and decor. You can work remotely with different clients.”
“What if most of my clients leave, will I be able to sell my services online, will they refuse my services if I raise prices?” You will surely find answers to all these questions. Plan B may not be so simple, but it is promising in its own way. In moments of anxiety, remember what the “voice of reasoning” says in response to the fear.
If anxiety is anger
Action Plan:
People get angry because they can’t change the situation. If anger is exploding from within, advice like “breathing exercises” will only provoke you. Anger is a powerful energy, find a suitable outlet for it. It can be in the spiritual aspect, playing sports, exercises that require physical strength, or even yelling in a safe place, there is always a suitable way for each person to deal with anger.
Example
Unexpressed anger can build up and afflict the people we love uncontrollably or lead to dire consequences. What should be done?
Admit your powerlessness: You cannot influence all those who make decisions.
Consciously redirect the energy of anger in a safe direction (examples above).
Always be honest with yourself and take responsibility for your actions.
If behind anxiety – sadness and helplessness
Action plan:
You can’t stop the storm, you can only try to survive it, so only influence what you can.
Attention to small matters is vital. Viktor Frankl, a psychologist who survived the concentration camp, wrote about the prisoners in his book Man’s Search for Meaning: “The first to break were those who believed that it would soon end. Then – those who did not believe that it would ever end. The ones that survived were the ones who focused on what they were doing, with no expectation of what else might happen.”
Cleaning the apartment helps some, others help to work, take care of children, and support those who are nearby. Alexander Asmolov, head of the Department of Personality Psychology at Moscow State University, in an interview with Katerina Gordeeva said that when he was diagnosed with an oncological disease in a serious stage, he agreed with him: “I still have too much to do.” Not for the salvation of mankind, but for myself, because “it’s important to me.” Think about what is important for you to do now.
Example
When difficult events began in the world, some bloggers did not find the strength and the sense to continue publishing articles or writing about design. It is important to rediscover the meaning of the things you love and to remind yourself that if these activities bring you satisfaction and happiness, it is enough to make time for them.
If the anxiety is related to specific people
Action Plan:
Overcoming the fear of rejection, writing, and offering help is the best way to calm your anxiety about your relationships with other people.
Example
Many people prefer to avoid talking about a particular topic to avoid sharp arguments, and indeed I am one of the people who does not like to argue for the sake of argument only, there is no sense in talking about a topic where this leads to a conflict and defense of ideas, you will certainly find other points of contact with a member of your family and friends.
If a difficult topic arises with friends and loved ones who have different points of view, think before trying to convince them. This is a rather difficult and emotionally expensive activity. Try talking more about your feelings: “I’m sad we can’t agree here.”
