If you’ve been feeling anxious lately, you’re not alone.  Stories about crime, inflation, fires, and armed conflicts are in the news daily. There are stories all over social media and in the news of people stress eating, drinking, and just wanting to tune out.

For sure, many things in our life are out of our control, but one thing we all can do no matter what is going on is to take care of ourselves.

In New York Times article, author Tara Parker-Pope offered these suggestions to try to help ease anxiety, get perspective, and prepare yourself for whatever comes next.  For those dealing with the added emotional burden of grief, these tips may prove to be helpful and comforting:

Take a timeout
If you feel anxious, stop what you are doing and do something like take a short walk, call a friend, run errand.

Three minute move
As little as three minutes of exercise can improve your mood, according to health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University Kelly McGonigal.

Take on a project at home
Declutter your house, create a scrapbook, knit, garden, paint—whatever you like to do. “It’s not frivolous to do something like declutter, organize or look around your space and think about how to make it a supportive place for you or anyone else you live with. It’s one of the ways we imagine a positive future,” said Dr. McGonigal

Get outside
Spend time outside walking among the trees and watching the birds. Studies show that soaking in the wonders of nature while walking improves mental health.

Unleash the aromatics
Light a scented candle, a lavender foot bath, or spritz the air with orange aromatherapy. It’s only temporary but it is relaxing while it lasts.