During these unprecedented times, many individuals find themselves grappling with a surge of anxiety. I can relate, as I have always been proficient at compartmentalizing my emotions. When faced with my partner’s terminal illness, I adeptly shifted my focus from the overwhelming worry to daily responsibilities, such as managing my children’s schooling and household chores. Yet, in the context of a global pandemic, my ability to compartmentalize has been severely tested.
Instead of gracefully sidelining my anxiety to tackle pressing tasks—from remote work to homeschooling—I often become sidetracked by the constant influx of news alerts or the urge to check social media for updates. This shift has transformed my once effective compartmentalization into a struggle.
In a recent “Business Unusual” discussion on LinkedIn, Laura Mitchell, co-founder and CEO of a digital wellness platform, offered a practical strategy for those feeling overwhelmed during these chaotic times. She suggested dedicating a specific hour each day to fully experience and process anxious thoughts and feelings. “Give yourself that time to acknowledge your fears and take in the news you know you shouldn’t,” she advised. The essence of her approach is simple: allocate an hour for your worries and then shift your focus back to necessary tasks. Acknowledging emotions is essential for mental well-being; suppressing them can lead to physical health issues, including insomnia and digestive problems.
As someone who has always excelled at compartmentalization but found it increasingly difficult to do so, Mitchell’s method intrigued me. I decided to adopt this technique first thing in the morning, a time I used to reserve for quiet reflection and writing. However, mornings during the pandemic had devolved into a chaotic mix of unproductive screen time and scattered thoughts.
On my initial attempt, I brewed a cup of coffee, returned to bed, and immersed myself in the news without even attempting to work. I pondered the myriad of responsibilities awaiting my attention, from my children’s education to the well-being of extended family members. I soon realized that I couldn’t maintain my focus for a full hour; my mind wandered to lighter topics, prompting me to scroll through social media. To regain some structure, I made a list of everything weighing on my mind.
Throughout that day, I noticed I was less inclined to reach for my phone when I wasn’t consumed by breaking news, allowing me to concentrate better on deadlines and assist my children with their schoolwork. The list of stressors enabled me to prioritize tasks I could control, rather than meandering through vague worries.
However, one must be cautious with the hour-a-day anxiety release technique. As Dr. Simon Roberts, a clinical psychologist, pointed out, it is essential to navigate your emotions in a way that works for you. While expressing feelings can bring relief, becoming stuck in a cycle of anxiety can be counterproductive.
It’s vital to recognize that everyone is experiencing some level of anxiety related to the pandemic. There’s no singular correct way to cope. For some, the dedicated hour might be beneficial; others may find it more effective to engage with their feelings intermittently throughout the day. Some may prefer to hold off on processing emotions until the crisis subsides, which is equally valid.
Personally, I find that utilizing the hour-a-day anxiety release technique can help me disconnect from my phone and be more present with my children. Ultimately, the key is to acknowledge and express those feelings while also continuing to live our lives.
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Summary
The ‘One Hour Anxiety Release’ technique encourages individuals to dedicate a specific time each day to process their feelings during the pandemic, allowing them to regain focus on daily tasks afterward. This method is not one-size-fits-all; different approaches to coping with anxiety are valid.