Seemingly, we’re totally surrounded by all this political brouhaha–however, not to worry, the following aren’t political thoughts. This is about how to take care of ourselves so that we’re better citizens, family members, friends, and humans–all very non-partisan.
No matter where we stand on any public issue–here’s the deal–we all collectively benefit when we’re at our best. And that’s why I’m writing this to myself, as a reminder of how to take care of myself during these volatile times. Hopefully, it will resonate with you, too.
The following tips come from a helpful article by Tsh Oxereider on a site titled “The Art of Simple”:
1. Let’s not wait for our turn to speak. Instead, really listen.
I know for a fact that a lot of our rhetoric and policymaking would be different if we all would do a better job of listening to each other–not listening only so we can wait our turn to speak—just listen.
All “sides” are guilty of this–what we miss out on by not hearing each other’s stories and perspectives. It’s more difficult than it seems, but it’s a small light in the dark when it happens.
As Buddha observed “If your mouth is open you’re not learning”.
2. Eat, drink water, get exercise, sleep. Repeat.
These foundational aspects of self-care are more important right now than ever. Toddlers aren’t the only ones who get hungry. Admittedly, I don’t think rationally if I haven’t gotten enough sleep. And I feel so much better if I get some additional steps each day. Even though these are always essential, we can so easily forget our most basic needs with childlike abandonment.
3. Walk away from the screen.
Offline time is perhaps the most essential gift we can give ourselves right now. Engage in offline conversations about issues, sure. But just as important—read a book. Go on a hike–OK, here in Wisconsin in January it might be a treadmill. Draw. Work on a home improvements. Listen to good music.Make dinner for a neighbor. Listen to something to enjoy laughter. Engage with nature. Little else sets the reset button quite as well.
4. Kindness always wins.
When online, set parameters. Before replying to someone, let’s ask ourselves: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it helpful? Personally, whenever I choose to engage kindly, respectfully, and even with humor, I feel SO much better. Dropping “truth bombs,” or replying in anger doesn’t hurt only the recipient–It’s not good for our souls either.
5. Choose three things.
No politics here, however, a quick Google search results in finding so many issues out there, it’s hard to know where to begin–why not choose three issues to care about, and dive deeply into them.
Diving deeper into fewer issues instead of doing an inch deep and a mile wide is not only better for our sanity, it’s probably more effective for these causes as well
6. Set healthy parameters when on screen.
When it’s time to be involved, still set limits for ourselves. Tsh has created self-imposed boundaries that help her stay focused on her work. For her, that’s no social media from 9 am to 1 pm Tuesday- Thursday, and no social media, Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon from 10 pm to 7 am on weekdays (laptop and phone). She feels it’s made a world of difference to her sanity and work habits.
She also shares that she benefits from checking her sources and opening herself to as many perspectives as possible–very eye-opening and helpful.
Tsh also states that she doesn’t watch video news clips unless enough people she trusts endorse it. Her blood pressure stays lower when she sticks to reading the news–feeling more in control of how she responds to an issue.
Also, she’s made extra efforts to not scroll down to the comments section of news articles. They usually make her weep for humanity more than actually helping her stay informed.
Don’t check out—we need engaged, thoughtful citizenry more than ever. There are times when involvement matters, when reasonable adults shouldn’t bury their heads in the sand. It’s actually good for our soul to engage responsibly.
7. Listen to our soul.
All in all—lets know ourselves. Listen to what our soul is telling us, and respond. Let’s put our health first. Pray, journal, meditate. Know that we’re deeply loved by God, and that, thankfully, we’re not God. And no one else currently walking the earth is, either.
Remember that we’re only human and so are those folks we engage with, offline or off–only human. We are all humans–therefore we all matter!
Progress, not perfection, Warriors! And let’s be gentle with ourselves along the way.