It’s hard to miss the news right now. And it feels like none of is it good. And so many people I know are fed up with dealing with bad news so are stepping away from it altogether.
And I get that. I did the same myself back in 2016 when my nervous system was shot with ill health and burnout (and Trump 🙄). And there’s no doubt that being exposed to these stories absolutely creates a stress response in us, both in terms of content and how they’re delivered. And that means fear, anxiety, irritability, anger, overwhelm, disconnect even depression. And no one wants that.
But I do have concerns about so many people removing themselves from current affairs and the stuff that impacts every aspect of our lives. Particularly when it tends to be those who are empathetic, who think deeply and make considered decisions, and who can see different perspectives.
Because if we disengage, who gets left making the big decisions, who’s voice gets heard, who gets stuff done?
At best, it’s the people who can cope, but potentially that’s with a narrow viewpoint. At worst, it’s the loud, the arrogant, the self servers and the sociopaths. If those of us I call Secret Misfits – the quiet rebels, introverts, and highly sensitives – have to step out, who takes our place?
And so, to me, it’s great if we can find a way to stay sane but also to stay engaged. But that takes work and each of us has to find our own way through. Things that work for me include:
What’s keeping you calm right now? I’d love to hear.