Fearing that 2022 shall be worse won’t make it higher in any method, mentioned Dr Lim. “Generally, the worry itself creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. The very last thing we would like is a yr laced with worry, based or not.”
Lim added that it’s pure to worry disappointment in 2022 since what lies forward stays unsure. “Disappointment units in when actuality doesn’t meet our expectations. We expertise emotions of struggling making an attempt to regulate uncontrollable realities, or once we tie our happiness to conditions that aren’t inside our management to make occur.”
What the specialists say: “Give attention to issues which can be inside your management, fairly than issues that aren’t, for instance, the COVID-19 state of affairs,” mentioned Lim. Endlessly looking out the Web for solutions and mulling over the numerous situations which can be past your management (How lengthy extra will the pandemic final? Why do some individuals behave like that? What’s happening in Singapore?) could make you’re feeling drained, anxious and overwhelmed, mentioned Lim.
To start out, change the way you consider a state of affairs by studying to stability realism and optimism. “With the ability to consider our challenges and losses with clear eyes – whereas holding on to the assumption that we’ll get by means of – helps us make higher selections with out getting caught up in our present difficulties or future plans,” mentioned Lim.
It additionally helps to maintain your expectations in examine, reminded Dr Lim. “Assume that journey, eating in and going to the workplace will nonetheless be restricted subsequent yr. Then, take into consideration methods and helpful methods to enhance your high quality of life going ahead. It may very well be studying to cook dinner your favorite dish, selecting up a brand new pastime or rearranging your furnishings to make WFH extra comfy.”
Getting help from family members go a good distance in minimising emotions of isolation and loneliness, too, mentioned Dr Lim, be it by means of face-to-face household dinner or social media feedback. “Serving to and supporting others can even assist us really feel higher about ourselves,” he added.
