27 June 2025
Numerous personal or professional crises might affect a person’s mental health in a prolonged way. These challenging circumstances make it difficult for many people to focus on anything. Such amounts of uncertainty are difficult to handle and you end up feeling overburdened and preoccupied with future concerns.
You may experience feelings of anxiety, stress, worry, sadness, loneliness, anger or frustration when you are going through a crisis in your life. All of these emotions are common and you are not alone in experiencing them. The best thing you can do for your well-being is to recognise these emotions and treat yourself with kindness. Feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed is normal and you shouldn’t feel guilty about it. In this blog, UASA IP outlines a few tips for Freelancers and Independent Professionals to consider when facing a challenging crises:
Talk to someone
Speaking with a family member or friend who is understanding and empathetic about your worries or frustrations might be beneficial. However, be cautious not to confide in someone negative or gloomy, as this could make you feel even more nervous later. You can also seek professional assistance, such as counselling and therapy, to help you with your challenges.
Don’t burn yourself out
Some people may use their jobs as a means to escape from the outside world and its problems, but this can be dangerous because neglected emotions don’t go away, and working long hours without taking breaks can lead to burnout. Ensure you have sufficient downtime throughout the day and take regular breaks from work.
Take care of your mind
The best way to protect your mental health is to pay attention to your needs and feelings and engage in healthy activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Make time for yourself and do things you enjoy. Try to establish a routine and stay busy, as it won’t leave you enough time to worry.
Stay connected
Even if we can’t visit our families and friends, we can still stay connected through audio and video calls, social media and e-mail. Being able to see or talk to your loved ones will make you feel less lonely and isolated. In your work environment, keep the team spirit alive by staying in touch with your colleagues. You can do this by setting up casual video calls, where you don’t only talk about work but also leave room for water cooler conversations.
If you find yourself worrying incessantly or starting to panic, it will help if you ground yourself in the present moment with the help of a simple relaxation technique, the APPLE relaxation technique:
Acknowledge: As the uncertainty arises, take note of it and accept it.
Pause: Avoid your typical response. Take a moment to breathe and refrain from reacting.
Pull back: Remind yourself that this is worry-talking and that you don’t need or want this certainty. It’s only a sensation or a thought because thoughts are not facts.
Let go: Let go of the thought or feeling. You don’t have to respond to them. You might imagine them floating away in a bubble.
Explore: Focus on the present moment, where all is well, then shift your attention to something else, such as a task you need to complete, one you were working on before you started worrying, or start another activity and give it your full attention.
Remember, this situation is temporary and you can set your mind on the right path and overcome it.
Ref: www.invoicely.com www.uasaip.co.za