Coping in Chaos –  5 strategies to regain control of your life amidst turmoil and uncertainty – ep 121

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Coping in Chaos

When facing chaos and uncertainty, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and out of control.

Today we’re looking at “Coping in Chaos” five easy and effective tools for managing stress and regaining control of your life amidst turmoil.  

Whether your stress is brought about by rising prices or rising water levels, here are five ways you can start feeling like you’re back in control again.

Coping in Chaos – 5 strategies to help you feel a bit more in control when everything around you feels like it’s falling apart

Whether your stress is caused by personal issues, national or global events, these strategies will help you feel like you’re back in control again.

The importance of routines

Routines are important.  For healthy adults, for kids  and for those we’re caring for.  Make sure you have routine in your days during crisis times.

#1 – Create a daily schedule
#2 – Stick to your normal sleep schedule
#3 –Take breaks
#4 – Practice self-care

  • control what goes into your brain
  • mindfulness and meditation
  • maintain healthy diet + exercise routine
  • seek support from family and friends
  • prioritise your own pets’ health and wellbeing

#5 – Be / Get / Stay “Mindful”

  • start day with breathing
  • mindful walking
  • take mindful breaks
  • daily tasks
  • attitude of gratitude
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Other Podcast Episodes Mentioned Today

The Vet Thrive Collective – podcast on Spotify

In this episode, Companion Animal Veterinarian and podcast host, Dr Megan Alderson, chats with Helen Duyvestyn about:

  1. The Impact of Diet on Mental Health: Explore the research that shows how dietary changes and supplementation can reduce depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.
  2. The Role of Trans Fats: Examine how trans fat consumption affects irritability, aggression and behaviour.
  3. The Benefits of Eating Whole Foods: Discover how eating whole, unprocessed foods can improve overall health and mental wellbeing.

Further Research & Reference Information

Doherty, R., Madigan, S., Wrenn, K., & Tangney, B. (2014). The association between sleep disturbances, psychosocial stressors, and inflammation in cardiovascular disease. Biological research for nursing, 16(2), 175-183.
American Psychological Association. (2021). Social Support Helps People Cope With Natural Disasters. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2021/09/social-support-natural-disasters
American Red Cross. (2022). Coping during a disaster. Retrieved from https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood/coping-during-a-flood.html
American Veterinary Medical Association. (2022). Disaster Preparedness. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/disaster-preparedness
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Healthy Eating for a Healthy Weight. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/index.html
National Institutes of Health. (2020). Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Disaster-Related Stress. Retrieved from https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04214332
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Julie South
Julie South loves helping veterinarians, veterinary nurses and veterinary technicians find their next fantastic job - whether it's locum or permanent. Living, loving and working in New Zealand she's proud of the fact she's local and can help kiwi vet clinics find their next locum or permanent vet.