commentary editorials
In these times of lingering scamdemic, wars, and social unrest, tuning out bad news can be quite difficult. Watching news updates all day can be quite draining on one’s mental health. Those who are empathetic are affected even more and can find it quite hard to function. While it is crucial to be aware of what’s happening in the world, it is also important to take care of your mental health. We all need a break in order to recharge, stay positive, and be productive. Here are the top ten no-cost ways I have used to tune out of bad news for your mental health.
Step Outside – Going for a walk or spending time in nature helps clear your mind and reduce stress levels. It gives you an opportunity to breathe in fresh air and get some exercise. By simply taking a break from screens, you get to reset your system, and engaging in physical activity also gives you a dose of endorphins which makes you feel good.
Creative activities – Engaging in a creative activity can help you shift your focus from the news to another activity that’s often therapeutic. Examples include painting, writing or drawing. It’s a great way to free your mind and create a product which can be satisfying and inspiring.
Mindfulness exercises – Mindfulness exercises can help you reduce the symptoms of anxiety and improve overall mental well-being. Try meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, or even just relaxing in a quiet space. Mindfulness activities can be practiced anywhere and anytime, and once you’ve learned how to do them correctly, they can be extremely helpful. One does not need to sign up for expensive classes, or a gym, there are many videos for guidance on YouTube to get us started.
Surround Yourself with Positive People – Social media can be a harbor for negativity, so make sure you follow groups or accounts that are positive and uplifting. Spend time with friends that bring you joy and uplift your spirits. Venting or sharing your thoughts with someone who understands can also be a great way to relieve stress. In my life, I am very lucky to have a baby grandson, whom I call my “therapy baby.” I visit him on almost a daily basis to relieve stress AND give me a little hope for the future.
Listen to Music – Music has the ability to lift your mood, distract you from anxiety, and stimulate creativity. Make a playlist that’s upbeat and enjoyable to listen to when you are feeling down. It can be a powerful tool when trying to distract your mind from the news.
Cooking – Cooking can be a creative outlet that allows you to shift your focus from the news and into the present. Try new recipes, cook a meal for a friend or family member, or cook some of your favorite comfort foods. Food also has the power to heal, so cooking can be a therapeutic activity that is quite helpful. I love creating healthy meals that not only get my mind off of bad sh!t, but to focus on a healthier lifestyle.
Books – Reading is a great way to escape reality and gain a new perspective. It’s also a great way to learn something new and expand your knowledge. Fiction books can be quite engaging and emotionally stimulating, while non-fiction books can be informative and educational. You can also check audiobooks out at most libraries. I like to listen to novels while I am walking, cooking, cleaning, or other activities where I don’t have to think that much.
Devote time to your passions – Engage in activities that make you happy, be it playing an instrument, writing poetry, dancing, or playing a sport. Devoting time to what you love can help you tune out from daily stressors and enjoy the present moment.
Practice Gratitude – It’s easy to focus on the negatives, but practicing gratitude can help you maintain a positive outlook. Take a few minutes to write down things you are grateful for each day, be it a sunrise, a good meal, or a kind gesture. I have been keeping a gratitude journal since the scamdemic began. I really believe it helped me tremendously to get through each day where I felt like our lives were being stolen from us. Somedays it was hard to come up with things I was grateful for, but, I am serious when I say that “My Morning Cup of Coffee” was on that list everyday.
Take a break from social media – Social media can be a great tool for staying connected with friends and family, but it can also be harmful to one’s mental health. Sometimes, tuning out from the constant news cycle on social can be really helpful. Turn off notifications from news sources or limit your time on social media that tends to be mentally draining. The thing that annoyed me the most about Facebook (my only social media) was that at least every other month, my account was blocked for spreading “misinformation.” I have been really happy since I dumped it totally.
BONUS TIP: LAUGH!-I subscribe to a YouTube channel called, “Drybar Comedy.” Funny comedians, and it is all clean. I don’t care about swear words, as you all know, but it’s refreshing to hear comedians come up with hilarious content when they have to moderate their language and content. Try starting the day with one of these videos!
It’s important to take care of your mental health and well-being. Tuning out bad news for a little while can be helpful in maintaining a positive outlook. Simple activities like stepping outside, engaging in creative activities, practicing mindfulness exercises, surrounding yourself with positive people, and taking a break from social media are just a few ways to maintain your mental health. Our mental health is vital, and while it’s important to stay educated on world events, it is equally important to occasionally press the pause button and focus on your own well-being. Being intentional about self-care and carving out time to do the things that fulfill and enrich our lives is essential for mental health. Try implementing some of these tips to feel better and stay positive amidst tough times.
Cindy Lee Sheehan is an American anti-war activist, whose son, U.S. Army Specialist Casey Sheehan, was killed by enemy action during the Iraq War. She attracted national and international media attention in August 2005 for her extended antiwar protest at a makeshift camp outside President George W. Bush’s Texas ranch—a stand that drew both passionate support and criticism. Sheehan ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2008. She was a vocal critic of President Barack Obama’s foreign policy. Her memoir, Peace Mom: A Mother’s Journey Through Heartache to Activism, was published in 2006. In an interview with The Daily Beast in 2017, Sheehan continued to hold her critical views towards George W. Bush, while also criticizing the militarism of Donald Trump.
Ms.Sheehan was the 2012 vice-presidential nominee of the Peace and Freedom Party, and received 1.2% of the statewide vote in the 2014 California gubernatorial election.
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