When The World Feels Overwhelming…

Hey there sweet GGF reader,
I hope these words find you in a good place, and if not, if you are feeling overwhelmed with fear or
anxiety then this article is just for you!

2022 has already been heavy, there have been so many things going on and endless heart-breaking news. We are finally coming out of a pandemic and are going into yet another challenging time of conflict, one that is affecting so many people.

At times like this, when so much is happening, I know that our personal well-being can be so easily overlooked. When we feel overwhelmed we might want to isolate ourselves, become increasingly irritated, or frustrated. Maybe you feel like these feelings of dread and anxiety should be easy to overcome, yet they’re not leaving you alone. Or, you may feel like your emotions aren’t important enough to deal with. However, feeling emotionally and mentally overwhelmed is a natural response to having so many things going on at once. You are not alone.

Things you can do for YOU

-Take some deep breaths. Take a moment. Remind yourself that we are living through really tough times and it is normal to have this reaction and these feelings.

– If feelings and thoughts become too much, talk to someone. Whether that someone is a friend, relative, teacher or a leader in church. They won’t judge you or think something is wrong with you. There have been so many times in my life, especially over the last two years, when I have felt so much better after letting someone else know how I am feeling!

– Pray, talk, write to God. Tell him all your worries and thoughts. There is so much going on, but He is still close. He is
still near. We can still have hope. We can still go to Him and take comfort that when things in this world feel like they’re out of control. We can spend time with Him, the one who does not waiver, but picks us up and holds us, even in the stormiest of times. I often write and pray while listening to worship music on YouTube. I have friends who prefer to go out for walks and have conversations with God, go with whatever this time looks like for you.

– Remember to spend time with loved ones. Don’t forget to enjoy life and spend time with people who fill your heart up! Prioritise a day with your girlfriends or even a day out with your mum or sister.

Things you can do to help OTHERS

– There are so many AMAZING charities and organisations that are responding to the current crisis in Ukraine. Donations, no matter the amount, will help continue to make a huge difference. People in Need is providing humanitarian aid to over 200,000 people on the ground. For those most in need, they provide food packages, emergency shelter, safe access to drinking water, hygiene items, and coal for heating. The Ukrainian Red Cross are also doing so much to help- from aiding refugees to training doctors.

– You can also volunteer closer to home. There are so many things we can actively get involved in and know we are helping to make a difference. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or a homeless shelter, pack boxes at a food bank or walk dogs at an animal shelter. There are always organisations that will appreciate whatever time you have available to give. Volunteering with friends in your spare time is also a great idea of helping others and spending time together!

Feeling overwhelmed with life and all that is happening at the moment is very, very normal. I hope what I have shared helps- we really are all in this together.