At a time when there is an abundance of bad news, it can feel overwhelming, disheartening, and hopeless. Every time I open Instagram or catch a glimpse of the news I start to feel anxious, which makes sense given the turbulent political and social state our country is currently in.
Our history shows us that there have been many ups and downs in our political environment, but during times that feel hard it's especially important for us to make time to care for ourselves. If you need to find time to do something nice for yourself this weekend, here are some ideas and reminders for you.
Take a social media detox
Social media is built to be addictive, which makes it extra difficult to pull ourselves away. It can provide an escape for us at times, but can easily turn into an unhealthy relationship, especially when posting your own content and hoping it gets engagement. Try this app if you want to spend more time offline, or block of a weekend and promise yourself you won't get on Instagram or TikTok during that time. I went on a 3 day work/social media break a few months back and it was wild how rejuvenating it was!
Cry It Out!
Okay this is easier said than done, but if you can find some time to let out your emotions, I highly recommend it. Sometimes talking to a trusted friend or your therapist is a good option to get out some of those feelings, or for me I like to do a guided meditation or yoga session to help move some of the emotions out of my body.
Do Something Joyful and Creative
If you have a creative outlet that you haven't had time to get to lately, block off some time in your calendar to make it happen because the benefits are innumerable! Making time for your creative outlets is essential for mental health, self-expression, and overall well-being. They provide a healthy way to process emotions, reduce stress, and reconnect with your sense of identity. Break out the colored pencils or pull up your favorite karaoke track on Youtube!
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Take Time to Rest
When we are anxious or stressed, it can feel like the only option is to keep pushing forward and staying busy, but it's important to slow down and check in with our bodies to make sure we don't overdo it - as the saying goes, take the break before the break takes you. Rest helps calm the nervous system and reduce stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. It also improves emotional regulation and resilience, making it easier to cope with anxious thoughts. Without rest, anxiety can worsen and lead to mental and physical burnout.
Take A Break from The News
Taking a break from the news is important because constant exposure to negative or distressing stories can increase stress, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness. It gives your mind space to recharge, focus on the present, and maintain emotional balance. Regular breaks can also help you engage with news more thoughtfully, rather than reacting out of overwhelm or fatigue.
Check In with Your Anxious Parts and Ask Them What They Need
It's easy to bypass those parts that feel extra sensitive or emotional, but they need our support too. There are a few quick ways to check in with your inner system at times of high stress. Taking a few deep breaths, journaling a bit about your feelings, and listening to them with curiosity are a few ways. I especially love the IFS method of therapy.