

We find ourselves living in strange times. COVID-19, climate change, the impact of war and natural disasters meaning people having to leave their homes and seek refuge elsewhere and start again.
Changes in the world of work, how we socialise, the cost of living, concerns for our children's future, and so much more.
Thinking about all of this can leave us feeling overwhelmed.
We are in many ways programmed to find ways to stay safe, and with all that is happening we can find, our minds are becoming bombarded with all these risks. It is little surprise more people are experiencing symptoms of anxiety than ever before.
We also live in a time for many where we have more access to news, social media and other platforms, which also bombard us with information, and not always information that is most helpful for us in terms of giving us a focus on what we can do about it.
Often the news focuses on everything going wrong and could go even more wrong! We also need to focus on opportunities and hope.
These tips don't replace professional advice, and if you ever feel so overwhelmed you think of suicide, please remember the Samaritans are there 24/7 365 Tel 116 123.
We have produced a workbook looking at the reticular activating system. The workbook alone will not solve all the world's problems. That will take a concerted effort by individuals, families, communities, cities, local government, national government, business and the other people and nations of the world to find new ways to work together. It just may offer some useful tips on how to refocus the filter we look at the world through.
To recognise yes, there are challenges, but what can we do in the roles we have to be part of the solution?
Every choice of purchase made which avoids single-use plastic helps take some plastic out of circulation.
Every smile or wellbeing tip shared with a neighbour, friend, or family members helps push back the overwhelming anxieties the COVID19 pandemic is causing. We, every one of us, can make a difference and plan a vision of a better tomorrow while we take steps towards building that better tomorrow, today.
In addition to the workbook, we have an information sheet and video that explains more about the reticular activating system, which you may want to watch first to see if the workbook is for you.
When things are going well, we don't need to look hard to find reasons to smile. When we feel surrounded by challenges, it can be harder to find hope and a reason to smile. However, when we are feeling overwhelmed, it matters more than ever. We find the good that still exists in ourselves, each other, and the planet. Sometimes we need to look very hard. However, it is there, remember people care and you do matter, there is still kindness and hope in the world, let's lock into that and find ways where we all suffer less
by Hilda Campbell
By accepting you will be accessing a service provided by a third-party external to https://cope-scotland.org/
COPE Scotland, Clyde Offices, 2nd Floor, 48 West George Street, Glasgow G2 1BP
Contact us via online form
Charity Registration
#SC022807
These workbooks invite you to reflect, and if you are still working through some issues, then reflecting on your own maybe not in your best interests. Please, seek support for those issues.
The workbooks will still be there when you are in a place where you feel safe to use them.
There is a lot to the workbooks. Please take time to work through it at a pace that feels comfortable to you. If you have never used a workbook before for self-management, here are some tips you may find helpful:
The workbooks offer some ideas to consider, some space to reflect, some tips to consider, and invitations to decide what action you plan to take and when. Please don’t force it. If you find some sections are a struggle, leave it, come back another day.