A New Season

By ALICE O’BRIEN Alice O’Brien Counselling, Newmarket

No matter what side you fall on the seasons debate- does Spring start on the first of February or first of March? - you will have to agree the season has arrived by now. The mornings and evenings a stretching a little bit further every day, daffodil are adding colour to the garden and the brown spindly branches are beginning to sprout a few buds.

It would be fair to say that things have changed in the world since last Spring arrived, watching the daily news now can be a distressing event compared to this time last year. Watching world leaders get more and more unpredictable, headlines becoming

more upsetting every day, there is no doubt that it can affect our mental health in a very negative way. It is very natural to worry about what is to come. But, we all need to take care of ourselves and those around us, focusing on what is within our control can help that.

Of course, we don’t want to dismiss or ignore the turmoil and upset in the world right now, but we also have a life to live. Here is a few things that might help:

• Control your controllables, let go of what you cannot control. Focus on your own daily routine or helping in your community to build connections that count.

• Limit news consumptions, and make sure your news comes from a reliable source. Try to avoid doom-scrolling.

• Practice mindfulness or grounding. This can really help to stay focused on the present moment instead of thinking about the future which is always unknown.

• Help others in your community. Acts of kindness towards others can make a big difference- redressing the balance.

Remembering the words of Maya Angelou can be really helpful during these times- “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them”

We may have watched Vance and Trump treat President Zelenskyy so poorly and disrespectfully last week, but we don’t have to be reduced by that. We show respect to others, we live a meaningful life and we enjoy our Spring.