DODGING SUMMER BUMMERS
by Wendy Yang Clark
I hope this post finds you hanging in there. This Summer has already been kind of crazy, amirite? From this never-ending heatwave to near-assassinations and distressing wars abroad, the current news cycle feels particularly punishing. With a constant barrage of info coming at us from all angles, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, anxious, or conversely, completely numb and blase. It’s hard to find ways to manage our mental health and mood while also attempting to stay informed. Movement can be a powerful tool in this endeavor, serving as a natural mood lifter and anti-depressant. Staying active can help us cope with anxiety. RIGHT?!? 😬
All the upsetting news we face daily is linked to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Just by looking at social media or browsing news updates, we’re mindlessly exposing ourselves to painful images. We get sucked in, and half an hour later, we’re “doomscrolling”. The visuals and sounds of distressing news can deeply impact us, even when we’re not really being conscious of what we’re doing.
So, how do we manage our mental health without burying our heads three feet deep in the sand? One way is to limit exposure to graphic images and videos by opting for news without pictures (aka… radio!). Setting a specific time for checking the news can prevent us from being constantly bombarded by negative updates all day long. Limiting the time spent on the news check can also help us from falling into a news k-hole.
A couple of weeks ago, my mom was here visiting for my kids’ birthdays. We were mid-conversation on a peaceful drive when a noisy extended alert went off on her phone and Apple Watch. She read aloud a breaking headline about a Supreme Court decision 😱 I was so shocked that she had notifications set to interrupt her throughout her day to get news updates! It really drove home how deeply ingrained our desire to stay informed can be, even at the cost of our mental peace. I think feeling like we know what’s going on gives us a (false) sense of control, it makes us feel like we’re equipped with the information to handle what’s coming. In actuality, it’s stressing us out.
I was particularly stressed by the news a couple of years ago a few months after my daughter was born. You may remember 2020? It was… erm… a lot. I was home all day and night with a new baby (we weren’t really out and about much at the time) glued to my phone, growing more anxious with each day. Finally, I decided to stop looking at the news cold-turkey. I just quit. Instead, started taking long walks around the neighborhood, feeling grateful to live in a place where I could safely do so. What a revelation! The physical activity provided a respite from my constant worry about the world around me. I came home from those walks feeling lighter and more centered.
Exercise boosts the production of endorphins, the body's natural mood lifters, and increases levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that help regulate mood and foster a sense of happiness. Movement also reduces levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. It’s not just about the chemicals, though. While solo walks are great, group classes provide a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation.
Being part of a community, like the one we’re creating at The Pearl, can make all the difference. Studies show that interpersonal connections are one of the most important factors for longevity and happiness. Knowing that you have a supportive network to turn to, people who understand what you’re going through and are there to cheer you on, is a powerful antidote to stress.
Self-care practices like eating well, getting enough sleep, staying connected with loved ones, and engaging in meaningful activities are important too. Volunteering or donating to causes you care about can also help reduce feelings of helplessness and remind you that you actually can make a difference. The mind-body connection is real, and exercise is a powerful tool to enhance it. Moving your body can make a big change in your mental health, helping you stay grounded and resilient in the face of adversity - even when that adversity is just your phone pinging you. Try incorporating some form of consistant physical activity into your routine and watch how it impacts your well-being.
As for the news, I’ve since taken up with it again. I didn’t like feeling like I was living in a bubble, unaware of what was happening in the world, so I dip my toes back in to stay in touch with life off of City Island. But I don’t voraciously consume it anymore - now I’m just a casual user.
I hope movement can become your sanctuary, a way to process thoughts and release pent-up stress. Whether its letting it all hang out in resorative yoga session, working up a sweat in a fun & sassy bellydance class, or the welcoming community we’re builing, we’re committed to helping eachother find balance and connection.