This is a difficult time for everyone, especially the people in Ukraine. 

This episode is for us who are on the sidelines looking from an outside perspective and who also feel overwhelmed and a bit helpless watching a war take over a country. 

During these times the world can feel heavy with the weight of all this tragedy upon our shoulders. It can be difficult to deal with the full range of emotions that are flooding in.  

It’s surreal and feels out of sorts. 

I was watching the news the other day when they mentioned the first bombing and it made me gasp and shook me in disbelief. 

If I am feeling this overwhelmed at times and have a sense of helplessness and frustration, you might be feeling that too. 

What got me choked up was a meme I saw on Facebook of an 80-year-old going back into his country to fight for his family, especially his grandchildren. 

It makes all of the situations we are dealing with in the US pale in comparison. 

Now, before I continue, I am coming from the perspective of a Mindfulness coach, a registered nurse who has been a trauma nurse. I have seen horrific injuries from all different perspectives.

All of these experiences shaped my decision and how I view this situation. 

Our emotional state is affected

War is one of the worst and most difficult things you’ll ever have to encounter. And although most people who are reading this or listening to this are not near the war zone, you still are going to feel a lot of the stress associated with it. 

And you’re going to feel many different types of emotion. 

It’s perfectly normal and it’s okay to shed a few tears or be sad, frustrated, mad, scared, helpless, or even feel anxious or depressed. Seek help if this is the case. 

Recognize what you’re feeling is valid, and it’s just as important to feel it. 

 

You have every right to feel the way you do. 

You don’t need to be in a war zone to have fear. You don’t need to be in a war zone to shed a few tears over the situation. 

You have every right to feel an array of emotions about the atrocity that is happening right now. And you have a right to be mad at it. And to be upset. 

Having said all that, also remember that emotions rise with our thinking and they can be helpful or harmful.  It’s important to check into yourself and make sure you are taking care of yourself. 

It seems the biggest emotion most of us are feeling besides sadness is helplessness.

This makes it feel as though we can’t help in a meaningful way and that thoughts and prayers aren’t enough.

I get it, this is my frustration right now. You can take that frustrating energy and do something.

Suggestions for how to deal with your emotions during war-time

• Support the people in your area who are suffering. 
• Connect with friends who need to talk. You can be a sounding board.
• Reach out and volunteer with military personnel or families. 
• Donate to Ukraine/Israel (See link below) 
• Take care of your mental health
• Meditate
• Go for a walk
• Have a good laugh. Yes, you are allowed to.
• Be Mindful
• Check with your Red Dross to see if they are sending donations. 
• Donate blood if you can.
• Share this post to share this information.

If you have a few suggestions, let me know, and I will be happy to provide them here. 

Taking care of yourself 

Now, going back to taking care of yourself, you need to give yourself reprieve at times. 

Clear your head. 

Step away from social media and the TV. Reconnect with loved ones, they might just need a hug. 

Either way, just be mindful of all your emotions. 

There is a reason they say “flood of emotions” because emotions flood in. They can consume us and make it feel as though we are drowning at times. But with any flood, we need to create a channel to let the water drain. 

Ruminating about a situation is not going to help. It will only cause you more stress. 

Check in on yourself and make sure that you’re channeling your emotions in a healthy and helpful way, and not harmful to yourself or others. 

Keep perspective too. 

Life is a string of seconds and minutes. You can only deal with life one second at a time. Breathe into mindfulness, be present as much as possible, and consider where you are at.  

Ask yourself these questions

• Am I living a war in my head and ignoring my life? 
• Am I living a war in my head while missing the present moment? 

You are under no obligation to be completely overwhelmed by this, and if anything you shouldn’t, it’s not healthy. You are obligated to take care of yourself. 

Plus, it’s also perfectly okay to be happy, to laugh, and to have fun during this difficult time as well.

We’re all going to be affected by this on a global scale, just be careful not to live a second war in your head. 

Take care of yourself. 

Take a deep breath in and exhale

So, before I go, listen closely and remember this ONE thing. 

Your future is a thought, your past has passed, but your now is always here. 

Be mindful-one minute at a time.

Hugs, Cheryl 

Sponsors & Links Mentioned:

• Ukraine Children’s Action Project 
• Emotional First Aid: A program my instructor started. If you need free coaching, go here. 
• Donate to Ukraine  (check any site before sending money. I can’t endorse any of these sites, but It is from USA Today.)
• Donate to Israel This is part of the Red Cross
• Donate to World Central Kitchen -Handing out meals to refugees fleeing the war.
• Go to Kiva and “donate” money for a loan to those in Ukraine.