Stay informed and stress-free
If you are like me, you may be experiencing ongoing feelings of powerlessness, confusion, and anxiety as the Supreme Court works to overturn Roe vs. Wade. While watching the news and reading updates can be helpful, it can also be stressful. It is essential that we set boundaries with technology and find ways to take care of ourselves every day during these times.
Read on for helpful ways they take care of themselves during moments of a stressful news cycle.
Designate Quiet Time
Carving out quiet time in our everyday routine is essential to our well-being, and during moments of heightened stress, it is extremely important.
So if it is practical, set a time when you can avoid your usual distractions and take a moment to bask in quietness.
Picking the most helpful type of quiet time is up to you. Some people may like doing yoga, some may enjoy faith-based activities such as reading scripture or praying, and others might choose to soak up the sun with a meditative walk. While there are many ways to go about it, be sure you find ways to give yourself a break from the noise and chaos and embrace the power of silence with these quiet activities.
Set a Sleep Timer
Most smart TVs and phones allow auto-powering off after a set time without human intervention - known as a "sleep timer."
A sleep timer will automatically power off your devices at a designated time or after preset periods such as 30 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5hours, 2 hours, 3 hours, etc. It is typically used when you think you will sleep off while watching the TV, but it can come in handy if you want to limit your interaction with the news.
Make Time For What Makes You Feel Good
Being a creature of habit and routine helps keep us productive and maintain our self-care practices.
It can be challenging to stick to your self-care routine during increased stress. If you find yourself feeling unmotivated to practice self-care, try seeking our activities that help you feel good:
Making your favorite meal
Taking a bubble bath
Rewatching your favorite movie/sitcom
Going to the gym/fitness class
This may require you to reprioritize your day, but making time for activities that make you happy during stress is essential for your wellbeing.
Seek Out Safe Spaces
A "safe space" is a group of people who hold similar values and commit to consistently. Feelings of anxiousness, powerlessness, and confusion can push our nervous systems into overdrive leading to mental and physical discomfort. Connecting in safe spaces can provide a break from judgment, unsolicited opinions, and having to explain yourself. It also allows people to feel supported and respected inside and outside of the safe space.
Comments