Archive for March, 2022

How to Access News and Unblock Social Media in Russia 2022 – Cloudwards

Russia launched a full-scale military assault on Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, and since then the Russian government has been desperately trying to control the narrative, including blocking Facebook and Instagram, as well as restricting Twitter and access to independent news. Keep reading to learn how to unblock social media in Russia and read uncensored news.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, thousands of people have been killed, while millions have fled their homes. Meanwhile, the Russian government is restricting some social media networks and news outlets to control the narrative within Russia.

Many Ukrainians flee on foot toward European borders.

Additionally, the Russian government is shutting down independent news, while Russian state media and schools are under strict orders to call the invasion a special military invasion, not a war.

Fortunately, if you live in Russia, you dont have to bear the brunt of Putins digital repression. With a solid VPN, you can get past these geoblocks and access the open internet. In this guide, well show you exactly how to unblock content using a VPN, plus our recommended VPNs for Russia.

YouTube still works in Russia, although the social media platform has suspended advertising revenue for Russian channels.

Russia has blocked Instagram, with the government saying its because the platform is being used to incite violence against Russian soldiers. However, the ban is part of a concerted effort to clamp down on independent media and control the narrative surrounding the war.

Russia has a long list of sites that are not allowed in the country. A number of those sites include porn and gambling sites, but youll also see a lot of news sites there. So its not just about changing habits; its also about controlling information flow.

Russia forbids the use of certain VPNs that dont cooperate with the government, and theres extensive government surveillance to detect and block VPN use. Russians should use a VPN that doesnt have servers in Russia for security reasons.

Setting up and using a VPN only requires a few steps, as well show you below. For this example, well use ExpressVPN, but note that you can follow similar steps regardless of the VPN youre using.

Visit ExpressVPN and click on the get ExpressVPN button (or the ExpressVPN button). Youll be asked to choose a plan and payment method, after which you can download and install the VPN on your device.

Log in to the ExpressVPN app and select a VPN server in a country with an open internet.

Connect to your preferred server. Next, open the app or platform you want to access. You should be able to access blocked content and be protected from surveillance.

Russia is cracking down on freedom of speech in social media and news platforms. If youre living in Russia, a VPN is a must-have, since it allows you to bypass censorship. In this section, well delve into why Russia is banning the likes of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Russia and Ukraine have been in military conflict since 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbas. In early 2022, Russia began military exercises near the Ukrainian border, and even with thousands of troops deployed in Russia and Belarus, the world largely didnt believe that Putin would invade Ukraine again.

Russia invaded Crimea in 2014 and the rest of Ukraine in February 2022.

However, in February 2022, the Russo-Ukrainian war came to a head when Putin launched an all-out offensive against Ukraine a move that sparked fierce global outrage. His reasons for invading Ukraine include the demilitarization and de-Nazification of Ukraine, claims proven to be false.

World leaders rallied to condemn the war, with President Joe Biden calling it an unprovoked and unjustified attack while the U.K.s Boris Johnson called it a path of bloodshed and destruction.

Media outlets both in Russia and around the world have been condemning Putin for starting a needless war. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have become avenues to express dissent against Putin and the Kremlin. They have also become rallying points for Ukrainian fighters and sympathizers.

Unsurprisingly, the Russian government hasnt taken kindly to the pushback. In March, Putin signed a new law that could incarcerate anyone for up to 15 years for spreading fake news about the invasion. Further, several independent news sites have been blocked, while thousands of anti-war protesters (Russian citizens) have been arrested.

Even worse, Russia has blocked Instagram and Facebook while seeking to label Meta (Facebooks parent company) as an extremist organization. Although Twitter still works within the country, the company says the service is restricted for some users.

Using a VPN service is the best way to beat the social media ban, so its no surprise that demand for VPNs in Russia has skyrocketed by more than 2,000% since the Instagram ban.

In addition to the ground war in Ukraine, the Russian government is also waging a war online to control the narrative for Russian citizens. This online censorship began years ago, including with the government trying to control VPNs and when it failed, it tried to ban their use.

In 2021 alone, the Russian government banned 14 VPNs, as you can see in our Russia VPN ban guide. However, Russian authorities have failed to block VPN use altogether. If you want to unblock social media in Russia, youll need a secure and reliable VPN provider. Our top picks include ExpressVPN, NordVPN and CyberGhost.

Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN were banned by the Russian government in 2021 because they refused to connect to the Federal State Information Service (FSIS), which would have defeated the purpose of the VPN entirely. However, you can still access ExpressVPN and NordVPN online in Russia to download the software.

Although CyberGhost is not banned in Russia, it does not have any physical servers within the country the Russian server is virtual which means your data is secure from the Kremlin. However, youd still be able to get a Russian IP address, if you needed one.

ExpressVPN is the best VPN service for unblocking news and social media in Russia.

ExpressVPN offers best-in-class security, earning it the top spot in our best VPN guide. Besides the military-grade AES-256 encryption, you get a kill switch and DNS leak protection, which work to ensure your data is always safe.

Of its servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN has a few in countries close to Russia, including Finland, Ukraine and Poland. Whats more, ExpressVPN is a high-speed VPN, boasting excellent download and upload speeds, as you can see in our best fast VPN.

ExpressVPN is extremely secure for Russian users. If any government ever subpoenas ExpressVPN to share your data, therell be no data available since the VPN uses the TrustedServer technology, which wipes your data periodically on its RAM servers. Read our full ExpressVPN review for more information.

NordVPN is a cheaper alternative for accessing blocked content in Russia.

NordVPN is another extremely secure VPN option for Russian people. The VPNs kill switch and DNS leak protection coupled with a strict no-logs policy make NordVPN a top choice. With NordVPN, youll get access to over 5,400 servers in 60 countries to help you encrypt your internet connection to access restricted content, like social media and streaming platforms.

Whats more, NordVPN has some handy features for political activists and journalists. Theres Onion over VPN, which allows you to use the Tor Browser and VPN simultaneously. Youll also get double-hop servers that route your traffic through two servers and to an extra layer of protection. See more details in our NordVPN review.

CyberGhost has a virtual server in Russia, if you need a Russian IP address.

If you need a Russian IP address, you need to use a VPN with Russian servers. Unlike ExpressVPN and NordVPN, CyberGhost has a virtual server in Russia, which means its our top choice for getting a Russian IP address. However, it also has more than 7,700 servers in 91 countries.

Additionally, this VPN service has customizable security features including camouflage mode and NoSpy servers to help you access censored websites. It also offers a free one-day trial on desktop. Learn more in our CyberGhost review.

If you were in Russia, youd have noticed by now that you cant access Instagram and Facebook, while Twitter is severely limited. Independent news media is also bearing the brunt of Putins clampdown. Fortunately, with a trustworthy VPN, Russians can beat internet censorship and get information from outside the country despite the blocks.

Have you attempted to unblock a news platform or social media site in Russia? Which VPNs gave the best results? Did you experience any challenges with it? Let us know in the comments section below, and as always, thank you for reading.

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How to Access News and Unblock Social Media in Russia 2022 - Cloudwards

Where Is the Censorship of Russian Media Leading? – theTrumpet.com

In an e-mail to Google on March 4, an unnamed representative of the European Commission said that Russian state media, such as Sputnik and Russia Today (RT), must be banned from search results, videos and social media posts.

Pursuant to the freedom of speech, media have the right to report objectively on current events, states the e-mail. However, the right to free speech can be restricted for legitimate public interests in a proportionate manner. What these interests are and what is proportionate are up to interpretation.

Certainly, propaganda and disinformation can be dangerous. Enemy propaganda has always been outlawed in times of war. It is easy to sympathize with the European Unions desire to shut down pro-Putin mouthpieces while Ukraine is under attack. But its also important to look at the power the EU is grabbing during this crisis.

Under what the e-mail calls broad and comprehensive sanctions, search providers must make sure that i) any link to the Internet sites of RT and Sputnik and ii) any content of RT and Sputnik, including short textual descriptions, visual elements and links to the corresponding websites do not appear in the search results delivered to users located in the EU.

The European Commissions request followed a February 27 speech by its president, Ursula von der Leyen, announcing the decision to ban Sputnik and Russia Today within the EU. Not long after, Google complied and prevented search results from including the targeted websites. Their associated applications were taken down from the Google Play store.

YouTube, a Google subsidy, blocked Russian state-sponsored channels in Europe on March 1. Ten days later, this ban expanded to a global scale.

Social media has also been targeted in an unprecedented way. Deleting posts containing Russian state media applies both to accounts which appear as belonging to individuals who are likely to be used by RT/Sputnik and to any other individuals. As for posts made by individuals that reproduce the content of RT and Sputnik, those posts shall not be published and, if published, must be deleted.

Nobody is exempt. The European Commission now has broad powers to block anyone on social media who may appear likely to be used by Russian interests.

On February 28, a day after von der Leyens speech, Facebooks president of global policy, Nick Clegg, announced that his platform would comply with requests from the EU and ban Russian state media in Europe. Instagram and TikTok made similar announcements.

Speaking to the Washington Post, T.J. McIntyre, an associate professor studying Internet law and civil liberties at University College in Dublin, called the EUs decision a far-reaching and remarkable interpretation of the law.

Most notably, he stated that regarding the EUs censorship law, We have very little insight into how its actually being applied. The EU has not been transparent about its regulation of the Internet, and current events provide only a tiny glimpse into the power the EU truly has.

How many times has the EU censored unwanted publicity without public knowledgeand how much more will it use these powers in the future?

The European Union is working to gain control of the Internet, wrote Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry in 2019. Through various pieces of legislation, the EU now has extraordinary influence in the homes of Internet users and within every corporation and government on Earth. The EU is waging a campaign of technological imperialism, and most people dont even know it!

Europe is dominated by Germany, which has its strongest economy. The fact that the EU can influence large tech companies like Google, YouTube and Twitter to block content on a European and even a global scale shows that this trend is worth watching closely. But thats not all. Europes control of the Internet is part of a larger trend described in the Bible: the seventh resurrection of the Holy Roman Empire.

Daniel 8:23 predicts the rise of a modern king who will unite Europe, reviving the Holy Roman Empire (Revelation 17:10; see also Who or What Is the Prophetic Beast?, by Herbert W. Armstrong, to prove the identity of this empire in detail).

The EU is about the Germans ruling more than just Germany, wrote Mr. Flurry. They want an empire! They want to control the Internetand that is only a stepping-stone to controlling the world! Every time it has risen, the Holy Roman Empire has made an attempt to do just that! These Internet regulations show that the spirit of Charlemagne has returned.

Europes increasingly authoritarian power over the Internet already impacts you. The Bible warns that this empire will soon impact the entire world in much more overt and deadly ways.

To learn more about why the EUs growing influence over the Internet is part of the rise of this empire, read Germany Is Taking Control of the Internet, by Mr. Flurry.

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Where Is the Censorship of Russian Media Leading? - theTrumpet.com

Barr warns Mexican government ‘lost control of the country’ as cartel wars rage – Fox News

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's government lost control of his country, former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr said Thursday on Fox News.

Barr joined "Jesse Watters Primetime" to discuss his new book, "One Damn Thing After Another," and commented on new scenes of fiery carnage in Nuevo Laredo and other towns just stones' throws from the United States.

Barr, who served under Presidents George H. W. Bush and Donald Trump, told host Jesse Watters that border security was a joint "principal concern" of his and Trump's and that border czar Kamala Harris is failing at her role.

"I went down there a couple of times to see whether we could stiffen the spine of this president [Lopez Obrador] down there who believes in hugs, not bullets and they're losing," he said.

"They've lost control of the country, in my opinion."

SEXTON BLASTS BIG TECH AFTER NYT VALIDATES NYP'S HUNTER BIDEN BOMBSHELL

Former Attorney General Bill Barr. (Michael Reynolds/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images) (Michael Reynolds/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

"The cartels have tens of billions of dollars at their disposal. They can corrupt anyone they want to down there, and they have armies literally armies that are increasingly paramilitary dressed like military, and armored cars."

Barr recounted an attempt to arrest Ovidio Guzman Lopez, son of violent cartel boss Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, in that the cartel summoned 700 paramilitary troops with machine guns mounted on trucks to rebuff law enforcement.

He said that incident and recent violence at the border should trouble the United States.

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Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. (Ismael Rosas / Eyepix Group/Barcroft Media via Getty Images)

"What I've always been worried about is that the Mexican government is going to share sovereignty with the cartels and reach a modus vivendi with them. And we have no control over that territory. And now we've lost control of the border."

Barr praised Trump's leadership on border security, saying he "fought like hell" against reticent federal judges and opposition interest groups.

When asked about his falling-out with Trump, who recently called him an incompetent "Bushie," Barr simply shrugged.

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Barr warns Mexican government 'lost control of the country' as cartel wars rage - Fox News

TxDOT Project Updates for the Week of Mar. 21, 2022 – Texas Department of Transportation

Anderson CountyPalestine Maintenance is scheduled to perform mill and inlay on SH 155 and US 175 in Frankston. When finished, crews plan to begin overlaying on FM 315. Expect lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car managing traffic control.

Anderson County construction projects updates:

US 79 Super 2 Project

The contractor is scheduled to continue work on roadway elements. The speed limit has been reduced to 60 mph throughout the project limits. Motorists should use caution when traveling through the project and expect lane closures and delays. Project consists of widening for a Super 2, including sub-grade work, surface treatment, base and surface hot mix asphalt, widening structures, bridge rail, MBGF, signage and permanent striping.

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Cherokee CountyJacksonville maintenance will be edge sealing on FM 1911 from FM 1247 to the county line. They will then move to FM 343 from US 69 east to the county line. Daytime lane closures should be expected. Traffic will be controlled by flaggers. Rusk Maintenance will be conducting edge repair on FM 851 and FM 1247. Daytime lane closures should be expected with traffic controlled by flaggers.

Cherokee County construction projects updates:

FM 22 Safety Widening and Bridge Replacement Project

The contractor is scheduled to continue corrective work and construction on the bridge at Little Turnpike Creek. Flaggers will be present during construction hours. Expect daily lane closures when work is being done. The bridge will be closed during construction. The project will widen the existing roadway, replace three bridges and incorporate safety upgrades.

US 84 Widening

The contractor is scheduled to continue widening cross structures and driveway upgrades. The contractor also plans to begin widening the travel lanes. Lane closures will be in place. Expect delays on this corridor when construction is in progress. The project will widen and resurface the roadway, along with adding safety upgrades.

FM 235 Safety Widening

No work is scheduled this week. No lane closures will be in place. The project widens the existing roadway and incorporates safety upgrades.

County Road Bridge Replacement Project

No work is scheduled on CR 3203 and CR 1504. Both roadways are open to traffic. Construction of the new bridges is ongoing on CR 2905 and CR 2614. Both roads are closed to through traffic. The project is replacing the existing bridges at each location with new structures.

SH 204 Super-2 Widening Project

The contractor is scheduled to place rock rip rap and fill drop-offs along pavement edges. Lane closures will be in place during construction. The project adds passing lanes and incorporates safety upgrades.

US 79 Rehabilitation Project

The contractor is awaiting final punch list. Lane closures will be in place, expect delays on this corridor when construction is in progress. The work zone speed limit is 60 mph. The project will rebuild the roadway pavement and upgrade bridge rails.

SH 21 Resurfacing Project

The contractor is scheduled to continue road work construction on driveway upgrades and structure extensions. Lane closures are anticipated during construction. The project will consist of pavement resurfacing.

US 69 Signals in Jacksonville

The contractor will continue installation of cable and signal heads at the US 175 intersection, 135 intersection and possibly starting at the Cherokee intersection. Traffic control will consist of occasional lane closures and work outside of the roadway when the work is in progress (Monday-Thursdays, weather permitting). This is a safety project to update existing signals and add pedestrian signals, crosswalks, and curb ramps.

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Gregg CountyGregg County crews will be working on bridge channel maintenance on SL 281. The work is at Birdsong Rd. There will be right lane closures with flaggers present.

Gregg County construction projects updates:

Spur 63/McCann Road Bridge Project

This project is part of the City of Longview Guthrie Creek Trail project. It will consist of building a bridge over Guthrie Creek to allow bicyclist and pedestrians to travel under Spur 63. The traffic will be reduced to two lanes, one northbound lane and one south bound lane to allow the contractor to build half of the bridge. Traffic will be switched later to allow completion of the bridge construction. Expect delays.

FM 2206/Harrison Road

This project consists of widening a two-lane road to four lanes with a center turn lane. This includes drainage structures, flexible base, curb and gutter, sidewalks, hot mix and pavement markings. Contractor will be extending culverts and constructing detours. There will be daytime lane closures. Expect delays.

FM 2206/Harrison Road

This project consists of widening a two-lane road to four lanes with a center turn lane. This includes drainage structures, new bridge, flexible base, hot mix and pavement markings. Contractor will be extending culverts and constructing detours. There will be daytime lane closures. Expect delays.

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Henderson CountyAthens maintenance is scheduled to perform base repairs on FM 1803 N between SH 31 E and FM 773. A second crew will be repairing edges and patching on the west end of the county. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic.

Henderson County construction projects updates:

SH 198 Bridge Project

The contractor is scheduled to work on the new northbound bridge and roadway elements. Motorists should be prepared for lane closures and delays. The speed limit has been reduced to 50 mph throughout the project. The project consists of the construction of replacing bridges, approaches, grading, structures, asphalt concrete pavement (ACP) base, ACP surface, retaining walls, curb & gutter, MBGF, and pavement markings.

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Rusk CountyRusk County crews will be digging ditches on FM 225 and SH 64 with flaggers controlling traffic. A second crew will be performing bridge work on various bridges using with flaggers controlling traffic.

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Smith CountyTyler Maintenance will have a base failure crew on FM 3226 finishing up Monday, then moving out to SH 64 in that same area as FM 3226. This will be under one-way traffic worked by flaggers. A second crew will also be performing base failure work, finishing US 271 Monday, then moving to FM 15. The US 271 job will be under a lane closure and the FM 15 job will be under one-way traffic controlled by flaggers.

Smith County construction projects updates:

US 271 Rehab, Turn Lanes, and Pavement Overlay

Crews will be installing driveway culverts on the northbound and southbound sides and pavement widening operations on the northbound inside lane (turn lane). Traffic control will be managed by flaggers as needed. The project consists of paving, structures, MBGF, and pavement markings from I-20 north to the Gregg County line. The portion from I-20 to FM 16 also includes turn lanes and pavement rehabilitation.

FM 2493 Widening Project

The contractor is scheduled for punch list items. Temporary lane closures are anticipated from 9 am to 4 pm. Drivers are encouraged to use caution as work continues on this corridor. The project will widen FM 2493 from two lanes to a four-lane divided roadway with a flush median.

US 69 Overpass at FM 346

No work is scheduled this week. The work zone speed limit is 60 mph on US 69. The project consists of building a new US 69 bridge over FM 346.

SH 155 Resurfacing Project

The contractor is scheduled to begin placing metal beam guard fence and continue the mill and inlay between Coffee City and FM 2868. When in progress, hours will be from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday nights. Expect delays. The project will resurface the roadway, upgrade drainage structures, and repair bridge joints.

Sidewalks at various locations in Smith County

The contractor is scheduled to continue work on SH 110 in Troup. Daily lane closures are expected. The project is adding sidewalks along SH 64W in Tyler, SH 110W, and SH 135N in Troup.

FM 344, etc., Safety Improvements

No work is scheduled. The project consists of improving drainage, culvert work, and guardrail upgrades.

SH 64 Bridge Maintenance

The contractor is scheduled to continue working on bridge repairs. When work is in progress, hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lane closures will be in place when working on the metal beam guard fence and retrofit rail. The project consists of bridge maintenance and repair.

I-20 at Barber Road

This project consists of widening on ramps and exit ramps, culverts, drainage upgrades, new metal beam guard fence and bridge rails on the Barber Road overpass, and asphalt overlay. No work this week on this project.

Tyler State Park Bridge and Resurfacing Project

No work is scheduled for this project. The project will consist of bridge and pavement resurfacing.

SH 110 & FM 346 Landscape Project

The contractor is scheduled to continue forming various landscape development. The project consists of landscape development.

Sign Replacement at Various Locations in Smith County

The contractor is scheduled to begin placing signs. Lane closures are possible during construction. The project will consist of replacing small roadside signs.

County Road Bridge Replacement Project

This project consists of bridge replacements at Whittle Street at west Mud Creek Tributary, CR 2110 at Kickapoo Creek and CR 289 at Prairie Creek. The contractor is scheduled to begin construction on the CR 289 bridge @ Prairie Creek. CR 289 is closed to through traffic. The project replaces the existing bridge with a new structure. The contractor will complete one bridge at a time. Weather permitting, the bridge is scheduled to be completed at the end of May.

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Van Zandt CountyCanton Maintenance will be laying hot mix on FM 2339 between FM 773 and FM 1861. Flaggers will be on site to move traffic safely through the work zone. A second crew will be addressing various bridge work on FM 859 from FM 1395 to IH 20. This work is off pavement, but signs will be up in advance, showing roadwork ahead.

Van Zandt County construction projects updates:

I-20 MBGF Improvements (Van Zandt, Smith, and Gregg counties)

Crews will be performing bridge rail work (WB) and cleaning and grading along the shoulders of Gregg County (eastbound and westbound). Lane closures will be in effect nightly and will be managed by message boards, channelizing devices and law enforcement officers. This project is to construct safety improvements consisting of upgrading metal beam guard fence and mow strip.

SH 19 Super Two Widening & Overlay

Crews will be performing roadway widening operations on the southbound side and extending drainage structures on the northbound side. Traffic control will consist of a southbound shoulder closure and will be managed by flaggers as needed. The project consists of Super 2 work including grading, base repair, treated subgrade, flex base, OCST, PFC surface, structures, signs and pavement markings.

CR 2918, etc. Bridge Replacements

Drilled shafts are in on CR 2708 at Caney Creek and crews will be forming abutments and pouring. CR 2708 will be closed at the bridge for the remainder of construction. CR 2319 and CR 2918 are open to traffic and in the punch-list phase. Minimal impact to the traveling public is anticipated. The project consists of removing and replacing four bridges.

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Wood CountyMaintenance crews are scheduled to perform edge work on SH 154 east of Quitman to the Upshur County line. Expect lane closures with flaggers and a pilot vehicle controlling traffic.

Wood County construction projects updates:

SH 37 Road Widening and PFC Overlay

Crews will be performing right of way preparation and installing driveway culverts. Traffic control will consist of daily shoulder closures managed with signs and truck-mounted attenuator. The project consists of base repair, level-up, spray paver, permeable friction course surface, structures, bridge rail, metal beam guard fence, and pavement markings.

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I-20 Total Maintenance Contract

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TxDOT Project Updates for the Week of Mar. 21, 2022 - Texas Department of Transportation

The World Seems Out Of ControlHeres How To Become Resilient To Cope, Survive And Thrive – Forbes

Resilience is the process of adapting and overcoming obstacles in the face of adversity. It involves ... [+] getting knocked down, but possessing the inner power to get up again and grow from the experience.

Still raw from the collective experience of the pandemic, people are now helplessly watching what may be the start of a third World War. While not of this magnitude, inflation is raging, causing everything from food prices to gasoline to rapidly go up in costs. The stock market has been plunging and people worry that the out-of-control inflation could disrupt the economy, after rebuilding it from the depths of the virus outbreak.

The uncertainty looks like it will last for the foreseeable future. You have two options. The first is to let all of the unpleasant overwhelm you. Youll spend the day doomscrolling through social media, feeling lethargic and depressed over the state of the world and how unfair everything is.

An alternative is to find practical, easy-to-do steps to cope with the harsh reality surrounding us. To deal with and conquer the fears, anxiety and stress, you will need to become resilient. Resilience is the process of adapting and overcoming obstacles in the face of adversity. It involves getting knocked down, but possessing the inner power to get up again and grow from the experience.

It's not just about wars. You need this skill when you get laid off, are forced to return to an office against your will, feel intense pressure at work or at home or have to contend with a bad, micromanaging, bully of a boss.

It's debilitating when you feel that you cant do anything. Start looking for things that are within your control. It will make you feel better and more empowered. Donate funds to Ukrainian refugees. Open your home to take in a displaced family. There is a large number of highly trained professionals in the Ukraine; find ways to see if your company can reach out to offer remote roles to help them financially get through this disaster. Separately, for your own sanity, find ways in your daily life that you can control, which will help improve your confidence and outlook.

Focus on positive emotions rather than ruminating on all of the what-if scenarios that will keep you up and night. According to the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, having positive emotions helps increase your ability to effectively deal with issues.

Find healthy coping mechanisms. This could be meditating, doing yoga, going for a run or bike ride, cultivating a hobby, meeting with friends, working out at the gym or taking a long walk in a nature setting. Start creating a positive forward-focused mentality that embraces positive possibilities.

You can build back your confidence by focusing on things you are good at. If you enjoy tennis, keep playing. Youll get your mind off of the latest fear and rage porn in the headlines. It will also make you feel better by doing something you enjoy and excel at. It will remind you that you can power through tough times. Dont take small victories for granted. Celebrate them. You need the little pats on the back to keep you moving forward.

Reach out to people. Science shows that having strong, supportive relationships make you more resilient. Weve all lost a lot of our social connections during the last two years. Now that the pandemic is ebbing, this is a great time to get back in touch with friends, family and co-workers who you havent seen in months or over a year or two.

Think of all of the times you rose to the occasion. Play back in your head highlight reels of your triumphs, even if they are modest. This helps train you to recall that you can deal with tough stuff, get over the hurdles and keep moving forward.

To overcome challenging circumstances, you need to take difficult action. It's okay to take one step at a time. If you lost your job, start writing a rsum. Then, update your LinkedIn profile. Reach out to career coaches and recruiters. Tap into your network and ask if they have any leads for you.

It's important to know that you are not alone. We are all dealing with these frightening events. It wont change what is happening, but at least you can take comfort in the fact that youre not the only one who is feeling down and out.

Make sure that you take care of yourself mentally, emotionally and spiritually. You need to eat well, exercise, get out of your apartment and socialize with people and get a good night's sleep. Avoid indulging in drugs and alcohol as a way to block out the ugly events. If you feel that you need professional help, dont worry about what people may say or thinkseek out someone to speak with.

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The World Seems Out Of ControlHeres How To Become Resilient To Cope, Survive And Thrive - Forbes