Limit how much news you consume on your phone or TV, as news often mainlines negativity bias, leading to a skewed view of reality. This helps prevent overwhelm and maintain a balanced perspective on current events.
When your child is in distress, try leaving the room and setting a timer (e.g., 30 minutes) to see if they can figure out solutions themselves. This fosters self-sufficiency and resourcefulness, rather than coddling.
Give children tremendous freedom and treat them as smart enough to make their own decisions, as this imbues them with independence and resourcefulness. Avoid constant monitoring and ‘bubble wrapping’ them, which can hinder their ability to fend for themselves.
Achieve an alpha, meditative state by lying on your bed and staring out the window, focusing on something simple like a leaf blowing in the breeze, without rumination or fretful projection. This helps in being awake to whatever is happening right now and reduces overwhelm.
Share personal stories of struggle and survival (e.g., anxiety attacks, drug problems) to build bridges and reduce polarization. These shared human experiences transcend political divides and can help people connect on a deeper level.
Be aware that forgetting essential items or being ill-equipped for certain tasks might be a subconscious way of applying the brakes or being resistant to unwanted situations. This self-awareness can help understand underlying motivations for your actions.
Write down stories or experiences that haunt you or bang around in your head to gain mental bandwidth and liberation. Getting thoughts out of your head and onto paper can free you from constantly thinking about them.
When experiencing an anxiety attack, name it (’this is an anxiety attack, I’m not dying’) to help manage it, and consciously take deep breaths and slow down your actions. This helps to gain control and reduce the intensity of the experience.
In anxiety-provoking situations, leverage personal support systems, such as having a loved one present (e.g., a spouse standing behind the camera during a live broadcast). This can provide a feeling of safety and comfort, helping to resolve panic.
In high-stress work environments, especially those involving unpredictable ‘breaking news,’ seek situations where you can ‘get your arms around a story first’ and have more control. This reduces anxiety associated with feeling out of control or unprepared.
Reflect on the underlying motivations for career choices, such as a desire for validation, financial security, or to be seen and heard, rather than solely calculating the practicalities or potential anxieties. This provides deeper insight into personal drivers.
Ensure you get many hours of good sleep each night, as sleeping well is a strong indicator of a serene default mental state. Prioritizing sleep contributes significantly to overall mental well-being.
When confronted by highly partisan individuals, politely avoid engaging in political arguments, as ’no good can come from engaging or trying to talk sense into somebody.’ Instead, redirect the conversation to personal interests like music or self-help.
During political cycles, concentrate on the ‘stakes’ of an election (its importance and impact) rather than the ‘horse race’ (who is winning or losing). This encourages more meaningful engagement with critical issues.
Take breaks from the intense news cycle, especially when feeling saturated or overwhelmed, by focusing on personal projects or meaningful work. This can serve as a ‘self-sustaining respite’ for mental health.
Recognize that a serene mental state can be a ‘hard-won’ achievement, developed after years of wrestling with depression and anxiety attacks. This perspective acknowledges personal growth and resilience gained from overcoming struggles.
Understand that consistent exposure to anxiety-provoking situations can help the brain acclimate and build resilience over time. This suggests that facing fears, even if difficult, can lead to greater comfort.
Recognize that a ‘free-range’ childhood, despite its risks, can prepare individuals for chaos and foster craftiness and resourcefulness. This perspective highlights the potential benefits of allowing children more autonomy and independence.
Embrace positive evolutions in parenting, such as moving away from rampant drunk driving and fostering more sophisticated emotional communication with children. These improvements enhance safety and emotional well-being compared to past generations.
Utilize close personal connections, such as a child acting as an ’emotional support animal,’ to provide comfort and stability during stressful public engagements. This highlights the value of family support in managing personal challenges.
Understand that a turbulent past, such as a difficult teenagehood, can equip you with valuable skills like handling a lack of creature comforts or navigating difficult situations. This reframes past struggles as sources of resilience and practical ability.