With the world of politics having gotten a lot crazier in the past several years, a lot of people, myself included, have been on edge. We all have been worrying about the state of our country and what our democracy will look like in the future.
Even though the state of our country and democracy are at stake, our mental health is also important to keep up with. Here are just a couple of ways I have been distracting myself from the never ending crazy world of politics.
- Watch a comedy show
-
My dad and I have been binge-watching “The Simpsons” marathon on FXX and it has been my great escape from the stress-inducing nature of politics. As the old saying goes, laughter is the best medicine and The Simpsons always makes me laugh. But you can pick any comedy show to watch, some of my favorite recommendations are “New Girl,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “What we do in the Shadows” and “Dave.”
- Do some meditation
-
Nowadays there are so many mediation apps like Headspace and Calm which allow you to choose several periods of time slots for guided meditation. If you have a diffuser, you can turn that on as well and choose a scent like lavender, chamomile, or peppermint and just sit or lay down in your bed with your eyes closed for 15 or 30 minutes. And remember to breathe.
- Bake
-
Depending on what you are baking, it can take up a lot of time and that is why this is the perfect distraction. Choose your favorite playlist and put it on blast as you throw on your apron and get cooking. Baking from scratch can even take more time and can you leave with great satisfaction when the food is done cooking. I recommend cookies or easier bread like bananas. So not only will you not have to worry about politics but your house will smell great. And do not forget about the cleaning process which might be annoying, but hey it keeps you even busier.
- Journal
-
Take 15 minutes to sit down and grab a notebook or a few scraps of paper to write down your thoughts. I have kept a journal since middle school and it has been my saving grace whenever I am feeling overwhelmed or down. It is a great way for what I call a brain dump. Do not think too hard and write everything that you are thinking about, do not scratch anything out and just write.
- Take a nap
-
I have spent a couple of nights tossing and turning after staying up late wondering what the state of our country is going to look like in the future. However, afternoon naps have become my best friend as sleep is so important, especially when it comes to our mental health. We need to sleep well to feel well. Even if it is just a quick 30-minute nap, that can help refresh and reset your body.
Writing this has even helped keep me distracted from over-stressing and over-watching the news.