The doctor warns – it is essential to regulate the information you consume
Constantly being exposed to a stream of disturbing news continuously irritates the nervous system, disrupts sleep, which is extremely harmful to human health. Moreover, it hinders one's ability to be useful to others. This is noted by Dr. Jurgita Šiupšinskaitė, an endobiogenic physician. She advises on how to effectively help oneself and others at the present time, according to a press release.
It is necessary to dose the news flow
The doctor says that we have already passed the initial shock when we heard the news, as some time has passed. Now, according to her, our sympathetic nervous system has been activated internally - not only adrenaline but also the mobilization system. "And what we do is constantly look for some information, and information is already occupying our brains these days, so we overload them even more. Therefore, to calm down, it is necessary to limit information searches, you should not constantly be online. Of course, what is happening is important and we need to orient ourselves, but news tracking should be distributed - two or three times a day, similar to how we eat," advises J. Šiupšinskaitė.
According to her, it is very bad if we are constantly "online" because we irritate our nervous system too much, it does not turn off, it is constantly in a mode as if we ourselves are fighting. So, to stop this process, it is important to limit the flow of information. According to the doctor, another effective self-help method is to be active and engage in something useful that involves the person in activity.
"We should not underestimate the simplest daily tasks that help to calm down - when we are calm, we can help others more. In the face of stress, a person needs any action, for example, tidying up rooms, going shopping. In addition, in the current situation, there is a great opportunity to contribute to aid initiatives, there are many volunteering solutions - this way a person can feel useful. And caring for others helps us to take care of ourselves," says J. Šiupšinskaitė.
It is important to find space for positivity
Although it seems now that everything is meaningless, and it feels inappropriate to enjoy anything, the doctor says that in a situation requiring quick action, we can only strengthen our body with positivity.
"From anxiety and an abundance of information, you need to move on to certain actions that would be beneficial for you, your family, your loved ones, your country, your allies in the broadest sense. Anxiety needs to be transformed into positive action. Of course, creating positive visions that everything will be fine, and similar vague things work for a short time - after all, we all see what the situation is now, the war is not receding, so we cannot deceive ourselves that everything will be fine. We need to look for solutions, what I can do, even a small step, in this situation. Such positivity calms the body somewhat. It creates a cycle: thought, action, and result, then we rest for a while and start a new cycle again - we come up with something again, find, go, do, then rest again. Always direct your anxiety towards positive activity," advises J. Šiupšinskaitė.
The interviewee says that during this period it is very important to also think about how our loved ones feel. "We should 'keep our finger on the pulse' not only by following the situation abroad but also in our immediate surroundings - we may not even realize that someone close to us is feeling very bad psychologically. After all, we Lithuanians are not quick to seek psychological help, to admit that we are exhausted. Let's communicate with each other, be together, talk about safety, what we can do to feel safer, stronger. Now it is important for everyone to orient themselves, where we live, where we would be safer, whether we know where our documents are, etc.," says the doctor.
Let's not make mistakes
According to J. Šiupšinskaitė, the biggest mistake now is not taking care of one's health.
"Because of stress, we start eating anything, we spend little time outdoors, we don't get enough sleep, because it seems that there are more important things. Such things lead to overwork, the body's strength decreases. People, wanting to help themselves, start buying various food supplements, even though they don't even know if they need them. But no additional substances will save you if you don't rest, don't spend time outdoors, don't see sunlight, and if you eat fast food. First, ensure these things," emphasizes the doctor.
She reminds of the airplane rule - we must first take care of ourselves so that we can take care of others.
"So first I have to get out of it myself, orient myself, limit the flow of information, take care of my well-being, health, then turn to my loved ones and help others. Don't forget that night's sleep is especially important, perhaps even more important than eating more heartily for a few days or weeks, because sleep has a huge impact on the nervous system. A well-rested person is more stable, thinks more clearly, can more easily prioritize in a panic situation," says J. Šiupšinskaitė.
