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Originally Posted by direwolf
Wasn't sure where to post this, as it relates to the current political situation. But how are you guys doing health-wise in relation to the current state of the world and Trump's threats to annex us, etc..? After tonight I'd probably rate my current mental health at a 4 or 5 at best.
I unfortunately went down a rabbit hole earlier tonight after reading a frightening post on Substack written by a former U.S. Navy vet laying out a hypothetical scenario of a U.S. military invasion of Canada, and how it would destroy both countries. Honestly, it absolutely terrified me and I had a bit of a panic attack as a result. I was shaking and I had to slow down my breathing and went outside for a short walk in the rain to calm down.
I'm feeling ok now, but I haven't experienced that kind of dread in a long time. Every day since the trade war started and the disastrous Zelensky ambush at the WH, I've had an uneasy feeling and this constant need to keep checking my phone and reading the latest piece of horrifying news coming out of the U.S. or Urkaine. Last weekend I turned off the news completely on Saturday and just spent the day doing things I like: listening to music, watching movies, and spending a bit of time with family. I felt so much better over the last few days, but tonight I totally lost it after reading that f***ing article.
Anyone have any advice other than what I've already tried? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Standard preface... mileage varies... this is only what I do... etc.
At some point I think we have to acknowledge the super-human task of ignoring some of this in a hyper-connected world. We're all trying to diet in a donut factory. None of us has the required will power to fully avoid this stuff, so in my opinion it has to be an environmental shift. No phone in bedroom, buy a lockbox for it off amazon, whatever you need. Shifting environment is at least possible, relying on willpower alone is probably not.
Atomic Habits (great book if you're interested) introduced a concept I really like which is letting the score take care of itself. Rather than worrying about getting the win (a huge, complicated outcome), you worry about increasing foot speed by 5% (easier, within your control). Focusing on the smaller task contributes to the ultimate goal down the line.
Applied to this problem, I'd say letting the score take care of itself is reading to your kids, going for a nightly walk, or eating vegetables. Each seemingly inconsequential, but also a domino in the right direction. Actions like that create bandwidth that allows you to say "not today, Satan."