Finding Calm Amidst Tragedy and Change

February 4, 2025 / Get Well

The Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing (OEWW) recognizes that recent global, national and local events—including the national election results, forest fires and the tragic loss of life in the recent plane crashes—have left many carrying a heavy emotional load and experiencing a range of emotions. 

In times of tragedy, profound change and uncertainty, we often feel our mental and emotional space becoming cluttered with worry, anxiety and grief. During these difficult times, OEWW wants to remind you that just as a cluttered home can impact our mental clarity, so too can the constant influx of news, uncertainty and change affect our inner peace. Our minds need space to process and recalibrate. This is where the power of presence comes in. We often limit our “right now” capacity by overwhelmingly dwelling on the past or obsessively worrying about the future. This is where the power of presence comes in. Practicing presence, even for a few moments each day, allows us to reregulate, creating the space needed to respond thoughtfully to challenges. 

Just as a cluttered home increases anxiety and reduces focus, an overwhelmed mind hinders emotional processing and decision-making. Consider these strategies to create mental and emotional space.

Take Control of Your Information Intake:

  • Set Specific Times for News Consumption – Avoid constant exposure by scheduling dedicated times to check the news.
  • Choose Reliable Sources – Seek out trustworthy, fact-based sources to stay informed without unnecessary stress.
  • Recognize When to Step Away – If you feel overwhelmed, give yourself permission to take a break and refocus.
  • Engage with Purpose Focus on information/sources that educate, inform and empower you rather than fuel anxiety.

Leverage Available Resources: 

  • Connect with Community: Reach out to trusted friends, family or colleagues for support. Sharing your feelings can be incredibly helpful.
  • NOVA offers a range of resources to support your wellbeing, including:

Remember: Your right-now capacity is enough. You don’t need to have everything figured out to take the next best course of action. Whether that is decluttering your workspace, taking a mindful breath or reaching out for support, actions to safeguard your mental health matter.

Logo for the Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing featuring a green and gold NOVA logo, Text: Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing and a group of diverse people standing in the shape of a heart

Dahlia Henry-Tett, Chief Wellness Officer (CWO)