As responsible adults it’s important to stay informed on current events. In the current events of the last few years that kind of responsibility can feel like cruel and unusual punishment. Constant exposure to the kind of stress inducing, out of control, non-sensical, content that has been the new norm is not healthy nor sustainable. In the last few weeks it feels as though we’ve reached boiling point and beyond.
News Stress Relief Checklist
If the events of last week taught us anything it’s that we’re not out of the woods yet, so below is a checklist of things you can do to reduce your exposure and hopefully reduce your stress. You don’t have to do all of these. Pick and choose what works for you.
- Time your news consumption. Limit your televised news to either mornings or evenings, or for a certain number of minutes per day. No more than 30.
- Delete Twitter or other news apps for a day.
- Watch a comedy
- Have a group facetime with family or friends
- Do a 10-minute yoga session
- Donate time or money to a cause that you believe in
- Clean a part of your house you’ve been putting off (closet, under the bed, oven, microwave, fridge, pantry, etc.)
- Plan a date night with your significant other
- Write a letter to a distant family member
- Above all…give yourself grace! Things are hard, you’ll get through it!