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By Marissa Valentine
Some may remember the isolation, pressure, and anxiety that surfaced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now some may feel held hostage by the unprecedented barrage of breaking news articles documenting everything that has happened since the recent change of office in the White House.
If you’re like me and the 70% of Americans who use social media, avoiding your feed can be nearly impossible. As of January 2024, the United States had approximately 239 million social media users, representing 70.1% of the total population.
A news feed updated daily by networks often leaves one questioning the validity of the latest shocking article. It can also create a sense of helplessness about how to contribute, resist, or support initiatives that align with your beliefs.
If you believe that all people, regardless of race, creed, or religion, should be treated with dignity and respect but feel overwhelmed in navigating these next four years, below are four tips to help you take action while preserving your physical and mental health.
Tip #1 Find reliable news sources and specific times to process information
Several news networks have updated us on things we are familiar with: Fox News, Breitbart, and CNN. However, the Tangle newsletter may be the proper read if you seek a more brief, politically neutral, yet factual news source.
According to their website, Tangle provides you with what the left-leaning news media is reporting and what the right-leaning press is reporting, and then they summarize both with their take on the story.
While politically neutral information may not be everyone’s cup of tea, news that tells the story straight without appearing like the proverbial sky is falling may be what our brains need to remain calm enough to process information.
According to clinical psychologist Dr. Adam S. Anderson of the Mayo Clinic, “News outlets, particularly social media, are geared toward showing things wherein the more attention they catch, the more advertising it brings.”
Adams added that our brains naturally seek out threats. Setting a consistent time and limit for consuming news can help reduce overwhelming feelings, providing a sense of relief and reassurance.
Tip #2 Join or support organizations that align with your beliefs
With the current government administration’s mandate to roll back any DEI initiatives, many companies have dropped their pledges to remain inclusive to minority groups and various small businesses.
People who use their purchasing power as activism feel defeated as many of their favorite stores have caved to political pressure. However, major corporations like Costco, Old Navy, Nordstrom, and TJ Maxx have pledged to support fair, equitable, and inclusive business practices.
Suppose you would like a more active approach to helping your local community. In that case, there is the Cleveland Foundation, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, the Alliance for Justice, and many more. Supporting these organizations can provide a sense of empowerment and control in a situation that may otherwise feel overwhelming and helpless.
Tip # 3 Reading is an act of resistance
We all know that knowledge is a source of power, and what better way to decrease the amount of disinformation shared on the internet than picking up a banned book?
Books are often banned or challenged by those who disagree with the content. As we begin Black History Month, why not pick up The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs, or Native Son by Richard Wright?
Other books on the banned list that are not by Black authors but hold great relevance to our current political climate are A Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood and 1984 by George Orwell.
Reading these books is not just a leisure activity, but an act of resistance, making you feel more engaged and active in combating disinformation.
Tip #4 Rest is essential in the long run
Resting is an act of resistance in an economy that champions work, hustle, and capitalism. Simply taking time to rest is not only beneficial to your physical health, but sleeping improves your long-term memory.
Sleep aids in clearing out waste products and toxins that accumulate in your brain during the day, and adequate sleep helps improve focus, attention, and problem-solving skills, according to the John Hopkins School of Medicine.
Suppose there is one skill that would help navigate the many changes happening in our governmental structure. In that case, it is the ability to digest information and determine what is accurate and helpful with a fresh and rested brain.
No matter your political party affiliation, the tips provided can serve as a guide if you struggle with how to move forward during a time that feels overwhelming and is filled with difficult-to-process messaging.
Resting, resetting, reading, and relaxing are activities that can be beneficial no matter the season.
