During these difficult times, it is evident that the home front has also become a front, exposing the country's residents to harsh scenes - in the news, on social networks and in reality itself.
Israel has become one big front, and as such we must deal with greater levels of stress and anxiety than usual and show resilience – the same ability that allows us to cope with crisis situations and adapt to a dynamic and changing reality.
In light of the situation, we have compiled some useful tips that can help anyone during the crisis:
1. Reducing screen use and routine management: Increased news consumption, let alone exposure to difficult content on social media, increases anxiety and stress levels and may cause accumulated stress. Try to consume news only in trusted places: newspapers, news sites, television. TV news releases and newspaper issues will allow you to gather everything you've missed, without the need for constant and exhausting connections to networks. Also, try to maintain a routine: exercise a lot, and try to relax with relaxing activities and hobbies.
Shahar Tabuch appears before the children of the envelope
2. Honesty and naming emotions: The instinct of many is to tell their friends and children not to be afraid and not to worry. However, as those who suffer from stress and anxiety know, these are the least relaxing things. Therefore, try to name the emotions that arise in you. "It's scary", "the situation is not calm" are legitimate and honest statements that increase social solidarity.
3. What to do when children are exposed to interceptions?In such a situation, it is important to normalize the situation for the children and realistically mediate it. For example, another psychologist told me, telling her son: "When you hear 'boom,' it means we're being watched." Remember that parental behavior and reaction are a mirror for children and affect their resilience.
Deep breathing reduces anxiety (illustration), Photo: GettyImages
4. Touch and breathing:The following tools are relevant for children and adults. Hug your children and loved ones a lot. Sometimes a hug, which gives a sense of closeness and security, is worth a thousand words. As for breathing, consistent and correct breathing helps reduce stress.
5. Optimism: Researchers from Johns Hopkins University in the United States have identified several characteristics common to people with mental resilience. The researchers listed several traits such as calmness in stressful situations, self-control, optimism, and a positive outlook on life. Try to be optimistic and believe in the strength of the State of Israel and the cohesion of the people, which are being revealed even more strongly these days.
The writer is an expert clinical psychologist. The foregoing does not constitute a substitute for psychological and/or medical counseling
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