There are so many things to be triggered by, it's true. Take extra gentle care of yourself for being in a position where you cannot control much of what comes your way.
I am glad it resonated Patricia and yes, use the power of images to your advantage. If you choose to look at ones of beauty, maybe they are also part of your wind down routine so your brain has them imprinted before sleep.
Thank you for today's words! I decided way before Election Day that I had to guard my psyche. I do not watch Trump at all. Someone said to me yesterday that I seemed to be "bothered" by the election. Well, yes, I'm extremely bothered, but I was not surprised and feel. I have a good handle on how things are going to go from here on out. I already practiced much of what you spoke of and it works for me. I did get a surprise last night as I settled down to watch a new show that was streaming. I was a respiratory therapist for 41 years and it was a medical show that I was going to watch. One of the first scenes was a flashback to the pandemic and showed the patients that overcrowded the ER one particular patient was prone, which is exactly what they did with me when I was admitted with Covid. It immediately felt like a slap in my face. Definitely triggered some PTSD. It kind of surprise me just how much..
Sheila this is so powerful. Sometimes the activation can come unexpectedly even while just trying to relax with a TV show for example. I think you are fortunate you are so insightful, that you realized it right away. That awareness is what provides the skills to take all the other steps you are taking. Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️
Thank you Sarah. The entire city will need all of us. But yes, first step is to hope this destruction ends soon. I love imagining your indestructible circle of goodness my friend.
I was just thinking, maybe we could start a chat thread, where we post pictures of what makes us feel that sense of awe and indestructible goodness? So that when we need some comfort, we can go there and look or share only beautiful pics or thoughts/quotes, etc that help us feel better?
(As a fair warning though, I might be sharing too many pictures of my cats if we do this 😉🫠🐈🐈⬛).
This is just an idea, but I don't want it to be more work for you Tanmeet if you have to moderate the thread or anything...
It’s a great idea. I don’t have to moderate it and you could start one anytime as a paying subscriber. You are making me think as well that maybe we start a weekly thread of Indestructible goodness. let me think on that!
I love the way you make me feel seen and supported.
Acually, it was only this morning that I was talking with a friend about how we’ve both recently begun to shy away from the news. I already practice some of what you advice: no news or discussions about news before bedtime. But from now on I will be conscious of reading rather than watching news as well.
Karin, those are kind words. Feeling seen is a gift and I humbly love that I could do that for you. Sounds like you are intentional to begin with about this topic. Let me know if reading feels easier than watching.
Hi Tanmeet. Thank you for this timely post. I especially liked the "boundary before bedtime" advice. I find that if I watch the news before bed, it affects my sleep. I think this advice is sound for anyone. The news these days is traumatic, we have to be smart and measured about what and how we consume it. I think it's possible to be informed and responsible about what's going on in the world without bathing in 24/7 news.
Yes! I agree that we need filters & boundaries on our media diet to manage our health. After September 11th I decided to limit watching videos and seek out photographs in online and print newspapers. Looking at a single still image allows me to take it in slowly, and make meaning of it at my own pace. Still photos taken by real photojournalists have artistic merit as well as journalistic merit, which helps in understanding the full story. Slowing down and spending a few minutes looking at a photo also makes me feel like I am bearing witness to a tragedy & not just gawking at the latest freak occurrence.
Carolyn, such powerful insights about still images. Especially the way they allow you to be present and "take it in" There is something about videos that seems to be too activating for our brain with traumatic events.
I feel this. It's very validating. Also very healthy to draw boundaries with news, which I feel like the psychology of it is to get us down/spark fear/keep watching. I asked my wife recently how she was going to approach this next presidency and she said "I'm going pay more attention to local politics since I can't do anything about national politics" which seems like a much healthier and effective approach.
Indeed Ishtiaq. Your wife has a sound plan. I feel like we all need to have intentional plans of how to protect ourselves so we can keep clarity of how to protect others and the earth.
I get all the news I need from the weather report (said with tongue in cheek).
But really, how much do I need to know about things for which I can have absolutely no impact? There are far better ways for me to spend my time than keeping up with current events, especially when it's bad news that makes headlines. In my case, willful ignorance is bliss. I'd rather not know, and not have to detox from my exposure to disturbing information.
Mick, I think you have a point of not putting the toxins to begin with. For me, it has become more of a practice of balancing those toxins with beauty and also keeping out the doomscrolling but staying informed. It's challenging for sure.
I completely identify with what you’re saying. I got to the point of overwhelm even after canceling legacy newspapers and not watching cable news anymore. At the same time, I switched to The Guardian and Substack. I was spending way too much time on Substack, so I decided to delete the app. My mood improved and I felt a sense of well-being. This lasted for a few days until I felt I needed to know more of what’s going on in the world. I’m back, but I’m avoiding posts and photos about Rump and his minions. Living in L.A., I stay informed about the devastation here and people who have lost everything, but it’s unbearable to watch videos of the destruction. I need to strike a balance before I get addicted to Substack again.
Thank you for this. A lot of people may struggle with finding permission to not watch the news. Unfortunately some of these people are my relatives. The way you present this as having the responsibility to take care of ourselves, and our health is a perspective I haven’t used when encouraging others to not watch the news. And I need this reminder right now. During Trump’s first term I watched with some fascination and it was even a way to connect with others as to our feelings about this man. Watching and laughing along with comedians and satirical news shows seemed harmless. However, the second term is already very different for me. Fear and hopelessness is definitely attached. I’m no longer laughing. Thank you for reminding me to find the beauty in life. And to take care of myself. It’s important.
I love knowing about images and our brain! I just figured out how to hide images in articles on my iphone. If folks don’t know - there is a little icon next to the Safari URL (can’t find it on Chrome) and if you press it allows you to “hide” distracting ads pictures etc. I will be hiding with abandon 🙈🙌🏽
There are so many things to be triggered by, it's true. Take extra gentle care of yourself for being in a position where you cannot control much of what comes your way.
I am glad it resonated Patricia and yes, use the power of images to your advantage. If you choose to look at ones of beauty, maybe they are also part of your wind down routine so your brain has them imprinted before sleep.
Thank you for today's words! I decided way before Election Day that I had to guard my psyche. I do not watch Trump at all. Someone said to me yesterday that I seemed to be "bothered" by the election. Well, yes, I'm extremely bothered, but I was not surprised and feel. I have a good handle on how things are going to go from here on out. I already practiced much of what you spoke of and it works for me. I did get a surprise last night as I settled down to watch a new show that was streaming. I was a respiratory therapist for 41 years and it was a medical show that I was going to watch. One of the first scenes was a flashback to the pandemic and showed the patients that overcrowded the ER one particular patient was prone, which is exactly what they did with me when I was admitted with Covid. It immediately felt like a slap in my face. Definitely triggered some PTSD. It kind of surprise me just how much..
Sheila this is so powerful. Sometimes the activation can come unexpectedly even while just trying to relax with a TV show for example. I think you are fortunate you are so insightful, that you realized it right away. That awareness is what provides the skills to take all the other steps you are taking. Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️
I'm sorry you were triggered by the show you watched Sheila. 😟
I know how it feels when something you don't predict suddenly transports you right back to a traumatic experience... it's terrifying.
I hope you were able to take gentle care of yourself after that. ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
What a poignant article, thank you Tanmeet. ❤️
I really appreciate all the advices you shared, as the news are so anxiety-inducing indeed.
"Feel the hard and ALSO soak your brain and body in indestructible goodness."
I LOVE this! And try to do so as often as I can.
My heart and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires in Los Angeles right now, this is devastating 😞
I hope your loved ones are safe Tanmeet, I'll keep you and them in my thoughts.
Sending lots of love and support your way 💖💖💖
Thank you Sarah. The entire city will need all of us. But yes, first step is to hope this destruction ends soon. I love imagining your indestructible circle of goodness my friend.
I was just thinking, maybe we could start a chat thread, where we post pictures of what makes us feel that sense of awe and indestructible goodness? So that when we need some comfort, we can go there and look or share only beautiful pics or thoughts/quotes, etc that help us feel better?
(As a fair warning though, I might be sharing too many pictures of my cats if we do this 😉🫠🐈🐈⬛).
This is just an idea, but I don't want it to be more work for you Tanmeet if you have to moderate the thread or anything...
It’s a great idea. I don’t have to moderate it and you could start one anytime as a paying subscriber. You are making me think as well that maybe we start a weekly thread of Indestructible goodness. let me think on that!
Very timely advice Sethi. Thank you 🙏🏻
I love the way you make me feel seen and supported.
Acually, it was only this morning that I was talking with a friend about how we’ve both recently begun to shy away from the news. I already practice some of what you advice: no news or discussions about news before bedtime. But from now on I will be conscious of reading rather than watching news as well.
Karin, those are kind words. Feeling seen is a gift and I humbly love that I could do that for you. Sounds like you are intentional to begin with about this topic. Let me know if reading feels easier than watching.
Hi Tanmeet. Thank you for this timely post. I especially liked the "boundary before bedtime" advice. I find that if I watch the news before bed, it affects my sleep. I think this advice is sound for anyone. The news these days is traumatic, we have to be smart and measured about what and how we consume it. I think it's possible to be informed and responsible about what's going on in the world without bathing in 24/7 news.
Couldn't agree more Cathy. I have found myself breaking this rule about pre-bedtime with the LA fires. And that's why I needed to reground.
This is such good advice. Thank you!
You're welcome Sarah, thanks for reading.
Yes! I agree that we need filters & boundaries on our media diet to manage our health. After September 11th I decided to limit watching videos and seek out photographs in online and print newspapers. Looking at a single still image allows me to take it in slowly, and make meaning of it at my own pace. Still photos taken by real photojournalists have artistic merit as well as journalistic merit, which helps in understanding the full story. Slowing down and spending a few minutes looking at a photo also makes me feel like I am bearing witness to a tragedy & not just gawking at the latest freak occurrence.
Carolyn, such powerful insights about still images. Especially the way they allow you to be present and "take it in" There is something about videos that seems to be too activating for our brain with traumatic events.
I feel this. It's very validating. Also very healthy to draw boundaries with news, which I feel like the psychology of it is to get us down/spark fear/keep watching. I asked my wife recently how she was going to approach this next presidency and she said "I'm going pay more attention to local politics since I can't do anything about national politics" which seems like a much healthier and effective approach.
Indeed Ishtiaq. Your wife has a sound plan. I feel like we all need to have intentional plans of how to protect ourselves so we can keep clarity of how to protect others and the earth.
Great suggestions. I’d be interested in a workshop.
Peg, glad they resonated and thanks for the feedback!
I get all the news I need from the weather report (said with tongue in cheek).
But really, how much do I need to know about things for which I can have absolutely no impact? There are far better ways for me to spend my time than keeping up with current events, especially when it's bad news that makes headlines. In my case, willful ignorance is bliss. I'd rather not know, and not have to detox from my exposure to disturbing information.
https://drmick.substack.com/p/information-overload-and-health
Mick, I think you have a point of not putting the toxins to begin with. For me, it has become more of a practice of balancing those toxins with beauty and also keeping out the doomscrolling but staying informed. It's challenging for sure.
I completely identify with what you’re saying. I got to the point of overwhelm even after canceling legacy newspapers and not watching cable news anymore. At the same time, I switched to The Guardian and Substack. I was spending way too much time on Substack, so I decided to delete the app. My mood improved and I felt a sense of well-being. This lasted for a few days until I felt I needed to know more of what’s going on in the world. I’m back, but I’m avoiding posts and photos about Rump and his minions. Living in L.A., I stay informed about the devastation here and people who have lost everything, but it’s unbearable to watch videos of the destruction. I need to strike a balance before I get addicted to Substack again.
What you say about striking a balance between staying informed and not overwhelmed is the key here.
This is an important post, Tanmeet. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with insight and compassion.
You're so welcome Paulette, I am so glad it resonated. Thank you for being here.
Thank you for this. A lot of people may struggle with finding permission to not watch the news. Unfortunately some of these people are my relatives. The way you present this as having the responsibility to take care of ourselves, and our health is a perspective I haven’t used when encouraging others to not watch the news. And I need this reminder right now. During Trump’s first term I watched with some fascination and it was even a way to connect with others as to our feelings about this man. Watching and laughing along with comedians and satirical news shows seemed harmless. However, the second term is already very different for me. Fear and hopelessness is definitely attached. I’m no longer laughing. Thank you for reminding me to find the beauty in life. And to take care of myself. It’s important.
Glad it helped Suzanne. We can stay informed without overwhelming our nervous systems.
I find the 1440 news email a good way to visit what is happening in the world. Written not visual.
Written vs visual for news these days is a powerful tool for your brain indeed.
I love knowing about images and our brain! I just figured out how to hide images in articles on my iphone. If folks don’t know - there is a little icon next to the Safari URL (can’t find it on Chrome) and if you press it allows you to “hide” distracting ads pictures etc. I will be hiding with abandon 🙈🙌🏽
Yes this is such a powerful tool! Thanks for sharing it here.