By Shirin Kamshad
These days, our beloved Kuwait and the wider Gulf region are navigating a very unique and challenging situation. When geopolitical tensions or uncertainties rise, it is completely natural to feel a sense of anxiety about what tomorrow might bring. However, as a life coach and a mother, I know that while we cannot always control external events, we have absolute control over how we react to them. When we train our minds to stay grounded, we protect our family’s wellbeing and become resilient.
The first step in managing stress during these times is controlling the flow of information into our homes. With social media, rumors spread faster than facts, creating unnecessary panic. To protect your peace of mind, make a firm decision to gather your news exclusively from official government channels. Turn off notifications from unofficial news accounts and groups. Do not repeat or spread unverified stories. By filtering the noise, you immediately lower the stress levels in your household.
It is also vital to remember a comforting truth: you are not alone in this anxiety. We are all in the same boat. Every family in Kuwait and across the Gulf is feeling the exact same weight. Acknowledging this collective experience helps us move away from fear and move toward unity.
Because of the current situation, many of us are not traveling for summer vacation this year. Staying in the heat of a Kuwaiti summer without travel plans can feel overwhelming, but it is actually a massive opportunity to find creative alternatives. The key to stress management right now is maintaining a steady routine. Routine gives children a sense of safety and keeps adults disciplined.
Instead of letting the summer days blend together in front of screens, we must actively fill our schedules with physical movement and self-development. For parents, this is our time to engineer an unforgettable summer for our children, creating lovely memories despite the circumstances. Start by keeping the kids physically active. Sign them up for indoor summer camps, beach activities or swimming classes. Physical movement is the fastest biological way to release stress hormones and boost energy. At home, balance their active time with self-development. Establish a daily reading hour where the whole family unplugs from technology.
Furthermore, look for simple ways to build deep family connections. Plan regular movie nights at home with a popcorn station, or have dedicated “kids’ dates out” so they can bond with their friends and feel a sense of normal life. Bring back the warmth of family gatherings with relatives to remind everyone of our strong social support system. Even a simple activity like baking cookies together in the kitchen can become a beautiful sensory memory that your children will look back on with love.
This summer, let our goal be continuity and growth. Let us fill our time and our children’s time with good learning and active living. This situation is not a straight line, but it is telling us to appreciate the present moment and protect our inner circle. Inshallah, this time shall pass in peace. May God protect our beloved country Kuwait, its leadership and the rest of our beautiful Gulf nations. Stay active, stay mindful and keep moving forward together.
NOTE: Shirin Kamshad is a life coach and podcaster specializing in wellbeing, with an academic degree in engineering, psychology and neuroscience
