Let’s talk about something real: the state of the world right now. It’s HEAVY, isn’t it?
Last night I had a dream about a Palestinian boy. He was young about 4-5 years old and I spent some time with him. A while later I received a white envelope with a green card and a red ribbon. The writing was in Arabic but somehow I knew what it said. The boy had passed, he was killed in an airstrike. A victim of senseless violence. I started weeping immediately and that’s when I woke myself up. I wasn’t surprised I had this dream, knowing I was to write this article today, it was a stark reminder that even my subconscious is aware of the harsh realities playing out beyond my immediate sphere.
The sad truth is that the world has always been chaotic no matter how far you go back into history. Wars, poverty, hunger, homelessness, oppression… But the information age has ripped away the veil, like a magician’s curtain suddenly drawn aside, exposing the intricate mechanisms of truth and falsehood and shattering illusions like fragile glass. We are exposed to every tragedy in real time with news, images, and videos flooding our screens 24/7.
It’s enough to make even the most optimistic soul feel overwhelmed. The past six months have been particularly brutal – there were already other conflicts – but now we know and understand what is happening in Palestine, Congo, Sudan, Yemen, Haiti… the list is too long and too painful. The stories and visuals coming out of these conflicts are enough to break your spirit.
For anyone with a heart, it’s a trying time. But the question arises: How do we stay informed and engaged while protecting our mental well-being? Life for those of us outside these zones goes on – you have work, errands, bills, and even a social life you’re trying to maintain. Some moments during the day I am suddenly very aware of where I am – maybe working, enjoying being outside, having a meal or a drink – realising that, somewhere not so far away people are being bombed into oblivion. Beneath the surface, there’s this constant, nagging worry about the state of humanity.
It’s a challenging time for everyone, even more for empaths like myself, and even direr for humanity as a whole.
Self-care isn’t a luxury during these chaotic times, it’s a necessity. Now, more than ever, we need to prioritise self-care. Because how can you be a force for good in the world if you’re running on fumes? It’s your armor against negativity, the fuel that keeps your fire for change burning bright.
So, how do we create that crucial balance? Here are some things I do personally to help navigate these times, I’m hoping they help you too.
Cultivate Your News Feed: We can’t and more importantly, we shouldn’t bury our heads in the sand. But we also don’t need to be bombarded by a constant stream of negativity. Seek out reputable news sources and limit your daily news intake. Focus on understanding the bigger picture, not getting sucked into the emotional rollercoaster of every headline. I particularly don’t seek out information about these topics on X, the videos and images on there have left me in explosions of tears, leaving me in a numb state several times. Focus on what you can control – staying informed without getting consumed.
Channel Your Empathy into Action: Feeling overwhelmed by the suffering of others? Don’t let it paralyze you. Find a cause you care about, donate your time or resources, or amplify the voices of those on the ground. Taking action, however small, can be incredibly empowering. But remember, you can’t save the world alone. Do your part, then step back and breathe.
Digital Detox: Take breaks from social media! It’s a breeding ground for comparison and outrage. Disconnect for a few hours, a day, or even a weekend. You’ll be surprised how much better you feel when you’re not constantly bombarded with information.
Create A Sanctuary: Create a space in your home that feels calming and safe. Light some candles, put on some music, read a good book. This is your personal oasis, a refuge from the storm.
Find Your Calm Center: Meditation, yoga, spending time in nature – whatever helps you de-stress, prioritise it! These practices create a safe space within yourself, a refuge from the chaos outside.
Move Your Body: Exercise is a powerful stress reliever. Go for a walk, hit the gym, dance like nobody’s watching (because chances are, they’re not!). Physical activity releases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that boost your mood and improve your outlook.
Celebrate the Good Stuff: It’s easy to get bogged down by the bad news, but don’t forget the good! Seek out stories of resilience, humanity, and acts of kindness. Let those stories remind you that even in the darkest times, there’s still light.
Practice Gratitude: Take a moment each day to appreciate the good things in your life, no matter how small. A grateful heart is a happy heart, and a happy heart is better equipped to handle the chaos.
Connect with Your Tribe: Surround yourself with people who lift you up, who share your values, and who understand the importance of self-care. Having a strong support system is vital during challenging times. Laugh together, create happy memories, and remind yourselves of the good in the world.
Do Something Kind: Helping others is a great way to shift your focus and find a sense of purpose. Volunteer your time, donate to a cause you care about, or simply perform a random act of kindness for a stranger.
Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling to cope, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist can provide valuable guidance and support in managing difficult emotions.
Self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. We can’t control the chaos around us, but we can control how we respond to it. By taking care of ourselves, we become better equipped to handle the challenges of the world AND make a positive impact. So, let’s prioritize our well-being, find strength in each other, and weather this storm together.
To all those enduring hardship worldwide, remember you’re not alone; countless of us stand beside you in spirit, in action, and in our heartfelt prayers. And to the departed souls, symbolized by the Palestinian boy in my dream, may you find solace in a realm beyond, as we strive to forge a world where such suffering is no longer endured by any living being.
Harveen's World 