
It can be presumed that every day in the modern world, people are fraught with news of political battles, social unrest, and prospects for an uncertain future. If you are like many people, by the time you read the newspaper or listen to a podcast, you may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even powerless. Amidst all of this division and uncertainty, one may easily become lost in an individual's own mental well-being. But in these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to make your mental health a priority.
Here are some strategies for taking care of yourself while navigating tough political times:
Set Boundaries with News Consumption
It’s tempting to stay informed 24/7, but constant exposure to distressing news can be mentally exhausting. Limit how much time you spend watching, reading, or discussing the news. Set specific times for checking the headlines, and stick to them. When you feel emotionally drained, it’s okay to take a step back and disconnect for a while. Your mental health is just as important as being well-informed.
Curate Your Social Media Feed
The social media networks can be really double-edged. It can keep one in tune with people and ideas but at the same time, can amplify negativity and divisions. Take some time to look through your social media accounts. Unfollow and mute those accounts that frequently post distressing and extreme content. Follow accounts that share positive news, inspiration, and diversified viewpoints to help balance the discussions you see on your feed.
Practice mindfulness and stress-reduction skills.
The great strength of mindfulness is to alleviate anxiety and distress. In its most basic terms, staying in the present helps control the runaway process of a worried or anxious mind jumping forward to the worst-case scenarios and into uncertain tomorrows. Try deep-breathing techniques, meditation, and even yoga for stabilization. Repeated practice helps calm the self for more central moments of handling tense political moments.
Connect with Supportive Communities
Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can be incredibly comforting. Look for local or online communities where people share your values and beliefs, or even those where open-minded discussions are encouraged. Feeling understood and supported can make a huge difference in maintaining emotional balance. However, it’s equally important to engage in respectful dialogue with people who have different perspectives to foster empathy and understanding.
Take Action, But Know Your Limits
If you're passionate about political issues, taking action can provide a sense of empowerment and purpose. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating to causes you believe in, or engaging in peaceful activism, action can help you feel like you're contributing to change. However, make sure to recognize when you're burning out. You don't have to give everything to one cause at the expense of your well-being. Pace yourself, and know that small efforts still make a difference.
Seek Professional Help When Needed
If the state of the world is overwhelming and it’s affecting your ability to function day-to-day, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. Therapy can provide a safe space to express your emotions, understand your anxieties, and develop coping strategies. Sometimes, just having someone to talk to can lift the weight of uncertainty and fear.
Practice Self-Care
In the midst of political tension, it’s easy to forget about the things that make you feel calm and centered. Don’t let your self-care routine slip. Engage in activities that bring you joy—whether that’s a creative hobby, a relaxing bath, or a walk in nature. Prioritizing these moments of peace helps counterbalance the stressors of the outside world.
Remember You Can't Control Everything
The times of politics can just not be predicted, and often you feel like the whole world is sitting on your shoulders. The important thing to remember here is that you cannot, by any means, control everything surrounding you. Focus on what you can change: your thoughts, your actions, your environment. Peace in this condition reduces a lot of mental and emotional stress.
Be aware that you cannot tell someone else how to feel, what to think, and how to act.
Focus on you and what you need.
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