How We Keep Going
I was sitting down to write this and found myself thinking that so many of my blogs are on this very topic: managing overwhelm during this time of geopolitical tension and uncertainty. I keep writing about it, because it keeps being true. We are all inundated with news from all around the world, people’s opinions on social media, too many issues to track, and general content that uses anger/fear to grab your attention. It’s just too much.
So what do we do when everything feels like too much? I want to offer you a few suggestions, but this is more of a starting point, instead of a comprehensive list.
Take Breaks/Engage Content Mindfully
We may find ourselves completely overwhelmed to the point where we need to take a break to pause from learning about the horrors of the world. It’s ok to take a break. We can find something between being completely disengaged and being so consumed by negative news that we feel hopeless. Another strategy is to try to be a bit more in control of your news/social media intake. This can look like muting/unfollowing accounts that post primarily rage/fear-inducing content, having a set routine for checking the news, and/or finding news sources that don’t utilize rage-bait/fear-inducing rhetoric.
Noticing the Positive/Neutral Things
When we have been so focused on the world’s horrors and all of the political divisiveness, it can be challenging for us to remember that there is anything else to the world. To balance this a bit, we can take some time to savor things in our life that are positive or even neutral. This can be an intentional practice, like starting a daily gratitude journal, or something a bit more informal like spending some time actually enjoying your food, noticing colors you enjoy around you, and/or really listening to your favorite song. Another idea is to seek out some positive news, not everything happening in the world is hopeless.
Social Connection
Spend time with people you care about. Try to do something that isn’t focused on discussing the news. Enjoy time together being goofy. It is really important to connect with others. We are wired to connect with others on a physiological level. If you are lacking support people, it could be helpful to meet with a professional to help you find supportive others, to call a hotline (here is info for the Oregon Warmline or call them at 800.698.2392), or to go to events, maybe you don’t talk to anyone, but you know everyone there is interested in the same thing you are.
Do Things You Like
When you’re overwhelmed with the suffering of the world, you may not be interested in doing the things you like to do or you may feel like it is indulgent for you to do those things. You deserve time to enjoy things, even if you have to force yourself to start. I would also include finding some creative outlet (writing, drawing, painting, collage, whatever), moving your body, and spending time in nature as key parts of balancing overwhelm. Creativity offers you the opportunity to have some way of expressing yourself, instead of just intaking other’s suffering, opinions, etc. Movement helps us to release some of the stress that has been built up, it doesn’t have to look any sort of way, just something that feels good for you and your body. There is a ton of research on the benefits of time in nature, but again, it doesn’t need to look a certain way. Even just listening to bird songs on a recording helps to calm your nervous system. So your time in nature could be watching a nature documentary or as grand as backpacking.
Again, this is just a start to get you thinking about ways you can balance your life a little to help you get through your days. What are some more personalized ways you can care for yourself? How do you start incorporating them into your daily life?
As always, take what is helpful and leave the rest. I hope you have the week you need.
