How much is too much…maintaining the calm?
Scanning the headlines, over the past two weeks, has informed us of many happenings both here in our county and abroad. We have had hurricanes, national elections, COVID predictions, RSV infections and holiday shopping. Beginning with the Persian Gulf war, many news channels transitioned to 24/7 reporting. People found that they had to learn to turn it off because of the psychological effect it was having on them, which many times would manifest into physical ailments.
Focusing on learning where our tolerance threshold is for the continual bombardment of heightened information is important. For some people, they may be able to listen to all the latest news and information, for hours, and not have it affect them. For others, realizing there is a time to turn it off and distance from it, is important.
Much like a river, flowing to the sea, every day brings new turbulence to the surface. However, when you examine the river, at a deeper depth, you find that it is continuing its daily routine without being affected by the surface turbulence. Having an awareness of the headlines is important but if, like the river, the turbulence reaches too deep, we end up feeling muddy and not being able to see and think clearly.
Another analogy can be the upcoming holiday season. There is usually some turbulence that needs to be dealt with, but it doesn’t have to go so deep that it spoils the holiday spirit.
Here are some tips to help you remain calm and not become mentally and physically out of balance.
Listening to Podcasts that you find informative and settling, not agitating.
Listening to music that you find soothing.
Staying mindful of what you are feeling.
Staying connected to others who help you maintain a positive connection.
Planning for the turbulence, much like a sailing vessel will lower its sails when the wind is becoming too strong.
Trying to get adequate sleep. That will involve going to bed and turning off all electronics. Melatonin is produced by the penial gland, in the brain, when it is dark. Melatonin helps you sleep.
Maintaining moderation with food and alcohol.
Keep a journal of the things you are grateful for.
Key Takeaways
Be the captain of your ship. Navigate your turbulence wisely.
Have a self-compassionate attitude.
It is important to have down time without electronics.
Best Practices
Learn to set and maintain boundaries
Allow ourselves to experience joy every day.
Practice self-care.
Things to Limit
Saying “Yes” when you mean “No.”
Situations and people that erode your self-worth.
Joyless activities.
Quote of the Week
Considering the amount of information we're bombarded by, it's amazing if a song can transcend time.
~Michael Bolton
In summary, developing an attitude of self-compassion allows us the opportunity to engage in self-care rituals that ready us for unseen difficulties and challenges. No one goes through life without hardship or pain; however, one could pass this way without realizing the importance of caring for oneself.
Be well,
The paraDocs
Check our Welcome Greeting on YouTube
The paraDocs are Dr. Francis L. Battisti, PhD, Psychotherapist, Distinguished Psychology Professor and former Executive V.P and Chief Academic Officer and Dr. Helen E. Battisti PhD, RDN, CDN, Chief Nutrition Officer, at SpNOD, Health Promotion Specialist, Research and Clinical Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and former Assistant Professor.
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