Elizabeth Jane warns anxiety on the rise as global chaos spikes - how to protect your sanity and stay calm
Announcement posted by Invigorate PR 14 Apr 2026
As global tensions intensify and cost-of-living pressures continue to bite, Australians are being warned not to become emotionally consumed by the chaos dominating headlines.
Best-selling author, keynote speaker and emotional wellbeing thought leader Elizabeth Jane said the constant cycle of conflict, economic uncertainty and fear-driven media is having a profound impact on mental health, relationships and decision-making.
"The world feels loud, uncertain and, at times, overwhelming," Jane said.
"With conflict in the Middle East, rising living costs and a relentless news cycle, it's very easy to become anxious, reactive and emotionally depleted."
Jane, who shares her insights in her acclaimed book Free and First - Unlocking Your Ultimate Life, said one of the most important skills Australians need right now is the ability to remain grounded and emotionally steady, even when external circumstances feel unstable.
"Just because the world is in chaos does not mean you have to be," she said.
"Whether you keep your power is determined by how you respond and whether you can remain calm and grounded regardless of what is happening around you."
Based in Sydney and a mother of four adult children, Jane said she is seeing a surge in people feeling overwhelmed, fearful about the future and struggling to stay focused on their own lives.
"People are absorbing global stress as if it is their own," she said.
"They are checking the news constantly, worrying about things outside their control and, as a result, they are feeling paralysed, exhausted and unable to move forward."
Jane said while it is important to stay informed, there is a critical difference between awareness and emotional overexposure.
"Being informed is healthy. Being consumed is not," she said.
"When fear becomes your daily state, it impacts your relationships, your finances, your health and your ability to make clear, rational decisions."
She warned that heightened emotional states can lead to poor choices, particularly when it comes to money, relationships and long-term planning.
"When people operate from fear, they tend to react rather than respond," she said.
"This is when we see impulsive financial decisions, strained relationships and a general sense of losing control."
Jane outlined how Australians can stay calm, focused and in control during uncertain times.
Protect your energy and attention
"Be intentional about what you consume," Jane said.
"You do not need to watch or read everything. Limit your exposure to news and social media and choose specific times to check in rather than allowing it to dominate your day."
She said constant scrolling fuels anxiety and creates a distorted perception of reality.
"What you repeatedly see, you begin to believe is everywhere and constant. This is rarely the full picture," she said.
Focus on what you can control
Jane said one of the most powerful ways to reduce anxiety is to redirect attention to personal actions and choices.
"You cannot control global conflict or economic shifts, or even the actions of those around you, but you can control how you respond, how you manage your finances, how you treat people, how you spend your time and how you look after your health," she said.
"This is where your true power lies."
Strengthen your inner state
"Our inner state determines how we experience the world," Jane said.
"If you are grounded, calm and clear, you will navigate challenges far more effectively than if you are anxious and reactive."
She recommended simple daily practices such as walking, journalling, meditation or spending time in nature to regulate emotions and create mental clarity.
"These are not luxuries. They are essential tools for resilience and wellbeing," she said.
Stay connected to what matters
Jane said times of uncertainty are a powerful reminder to reconnect with values, relationships and purpose.
"Spend time with people who support and uplift you. Have meaningful conversations. Choose to be fully present checking in as to how you truly feel as much as possible throughout the day, setting boundaries accordingly, so your needs can be met," she said.
"In difficult times, human connection becomes even more important."
Avoid fear-based decision making
Jane warned against making major financial or life decisions from a place of panic.
"When fear is driving your decisions, you are more likely to make choices you later regret," she said.
"Pause, seek advice, gather information and come back to a place of calm and clarity before acting."
Create stability in your own world
"Even when the external environment feels uncertain, you can create stability in your daily life," Jane said.
"Routine, structure and simple habits provide a sense of control, safety and calm."
She said this is particularly important for families navigating rising costs and financial pressure.
"When the outside world feels unpredictable, your home can become your anchor," she said.
Jane believes Australians are at a critical moment where emotional resilience will define how individuals and families navigate the months ahead.
"We cannot switch off what is happening globally, but we can choose how deeply we let it impact us," she said.
"The people who will come through this strongest are those who remain calm, clear and intentional."
Her message is simple but powerful.
"Protect your peace," she said.
"Take time out during the day, even if it is just for a few minutes, to take slow, deep breaths to calm your nervous system.
"When you do that, you make better decisions, you show up better in your relationships and you create a life that feels stable, even when the world is not."
About Elizabeth Jane
Elizabeth Jane is a best-selling author, sought-after keynote speaker, artist and respected thought leader whose work has inspired thousands of people to live with greater clarity, confidence and emotional freedom. Her highly popular book, Free and First - Unlocking Your Ultimate Life has helped many people across the globe to navigate and move forward from divorce and other life challenges to find joy and happiness. Based in Sydney, she is a devoted mother to four adult children and a powerful advocate for wellbeing, resilience and authentic living.
A Commerce graduate who later completed a Diploma in Education, Elizabeth has built a multifaceted career as a mentor, spokeswoman and creative force. Her insights have shaped conversations across mental health, relationships and personal transformation, earning her a reputation as one of Australia's most compelling voices in the self-development space.
Beyond her writing and speaking engagements, Elizabeth is a passionate practitioner of yoga and meditation and an accomplished painter. Her artwork and storytelling share a unifying mission: to empower people with practical tools to cultivate purpose, emotional strength, vibrant health and enduring joy.
Whether through her books, commentary and insights, her art or her presence on stage, Elizabeth continues to encourage audiences to live deeply, love fully and embrace the most authentic version of themselves.