Holy moly, have you seen the news lately? It seems like every time we turn on the TV or scroll through our social media feeds, there’s some new disaster or crisis to worry about. And let’s be real, all that negativity can be seriously stressful. But here’s the good news: there are plenty of ways to take care of ourselves when we’re feeling overwhelmed by the news cycle. And no, I’m not talking about burying our heads in the sand and pretending like everything’s fine. I’m talking about self-care!
So, what exactly is self-care, and how can it help us cope with the stress of the news? Well, self-care is all about taking care of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. And when it comes to the news, self-care can be especially important. Here are a few ways to practice self-care when the news is really getting us down:
1. Mindfulness: I know, I know, I talk about mindfulness a lot. But seriously, it’s a game-changer. Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment and tuning in to what’s happening around us. And when the news is especially stressful, mindfulness can be a great way to stay grounded and focused. So try taking a few deep breaths, or even doing a quick meditation, to help you stay centered.
2. Limiting news consumption: Okay, I know this one might be hard for some of us (myself included). But constantly refreshing our news feeds and watching the same story over and over again can be seriously overwhelming. So try setting some boundaries around your news consumption. Maybe that means only checking the news once a day, or avoiding social media altogether for a while. Whatever works for you.
3. Connecting with others: When we’re feeling stressed out, it can be easy to isolate ourselves. But connecting with others can be a great way to reduce stress and improve our mood. So reach out to a friend, family member, or coworker and talk about what’s going on. And if you’re feeling really overwhelmed, consider reaching out to a therapist or coach for support.
4. Self-care rituals: Self-care rituals are activities that you do regularly to take care of yourself. And when the news is really getting us down, self-care rituals can be a great way to stay grounded and centered. Maybe that means taking a relaxing bath, practicing yoga, or indulging in your favorite hobby. Whatever makes you feel good and helps you relax.
So, when the news is stressing you out, remember to take care of yourself. Whether that means practicing mindfulness, limiting your news consumption, connecting with others, or indulging in some self-care rituals, make sure you’re taking the time to take care of yourself. And remember, we’re all in this crazy world together. Let’s take care of ourselves so we can take care of each other.