Societal Turbulence and Your Mental Health
It’s no secret that we’re living through some pretty turbulent times. From war to cultural and political divides and environmental and economic concerns, life is crazy. The news is often alarming, and our emotions are on high alert, responding to the uncertainty of what might happen next. It's crucial to stay vigilant about navigating through it all in such times. This vigilance is key to maintaining our mental health.
Community is vital to navigating chaotic times. Finding people you can confide in and who can comfort you with what’s going on is important. Unfortunately, in a hyper-tech society, finding that community can be challenging. However, having a group of people you can talk to is beneficial for maintaining your mental health. Finding time to engage actively with them reduces the distressing impact of our current affairs.
Grounding activities and hobbies are also helpful. We live in an age of overstimulation, as we’re glued to our phones and receive news 24/7. Taking that “me” time is sometimes necessary to avoid burnout and other adverse effects. Try yoga, meditation, exercise, sports, arts, poetry, or music to restore inner harmony. Activities like crafts and puzzles require you to be present. If this is an area you struggle with, you may want to look into mentally stimulating tasks to redirect your focus.
It’s key to take the necessary steps to ensure your mental health. Prioritize your and your family’s health, continue to work on your listening skills, and avoid heavy consumption of news and negativity. Remember, professional help is always available if needed. Continue to minimize stigma and be that positive change the world needs. Stay emotionally safe!