Trump and the Pandemic Had Me in a Constant State of Alarm Until I Realized I Could Return to…

Summary

The author is seeking personal tranquility and control amidst the chaos of the Trump presidency's end and the ongoing pandemic by focusing on self-care, positive actions, and gratitude.

Abstract

The article reflects the author's journey to regain a sense of normalcy and well-being in the face of political turmoil and the COVID-19 pandemic. The author, overwhelmed by the constant barrage of negative news, has decided to break away from the habit of doomscrolling. Instead, they are concentrating on aspects of life within their control, such as personal behavior, self-care, and acts of service. The author has adopted practices like turning off their phone, meditating, celebrating small victories, and decluttering their environment. They also emphasize the importance of focusing on positive news, such as the development of vaccines, and spreading kindness. While these strategies have not completely eradicated the author's anxiety, they have contributed to a marked improvement in their mental state.

Opinions

The author expresses a strong desire to move beyond the fear and obsession associated with the Trump administration and the pandemic.
They acknowledge the addictive nature of news consumption via smartphones and the negative impact it has on their mental health.
The author views the act of focusing on personal control and positive impact as key to shifting their outlook and improving their mental state.
They believe that celebrating victories, such as the development of vaccines, is crucial amidst overwhelmingly negative news cycles.
The author suggests that acts of service and kindness can significantly enhance personal well-being and contribute positively to the community.
They admit to previously underestimating the power of basic self-care practices, such as decluttering and meditation, in maintaining mental health.
The author humorously notes their own surprise at engaging in activities like looking up where to buy Steve Kornacki's pants, indicating a previous level of political investment and distraction.
They advocate for a balanced media diet, including uplifting content like rom coms and cheesy movies, to counter

Reframing my outlook and focusing on what I can control are the keys

I’ve been looking at chicken recipes. Roast chicken is comfort food, and I’ve decided that the perfect recipe will make me feel happy inside. Should I tuck fresh herbs under the skin? Add some fresh garlic drizzled in olive oil to the pan? Or perhaps just stuff some lemon slices in the cavity?

These are the things I’ve been contemplating as I slowly wean myself from my insidious doomscrolling habit.

The fact is the past few months have taken a toll on me. I just can’t do the pandemic and political nonsense anymore. I’m done with it.

Done with the fear and obsessing over Trump and his destructive hold on our country. Done with clicking on every headline with the words “Fauci” or “COVID” in it. Done with fantasizing about who from the Trump administration will or won’t go to prison in 2021.

Now I realize this sounds suspiciously like I’m a COVID denier or an apathetic citizen. I assure you that is not true. It’s just that I was just getting really obsessed.

I woke every morning with darts of anxiety pummeling my chest as I reached for my phone. I couldn’t help clicking on every headline with a dystopian view of our once highly-functioning democracy.

I became consumed with the chart throbs and map daddies of CNN and MSNBC during election week. And in the weeks after, I found myself Googling where Jake Tapper went to college and how long Rachel Maddow has been with her wife. I even looked at where to buy Steve Kornacki’s pants. (I’m not proud of that, but it seemed like the patriotic thing to do.)

So yeah, I was really stressed. And it was taking a toll on me.

I even looked at where to buy Steve Kornacki’s pants. (I’m not proud of that, but it seemed like the patriotic thing to do.)

Things I can’t control and things I can’t

Now, I’m taking responsibility and reframing my outlook. I’m going back to basics. What can I control, and what can’t I control? How can I have a positive impact on the world? How can I care for myself and be of service to others?

I can’t control the events of the day. I can’t control the behavior of others. I can control my own behavior. And when I shift my behavior, I shift my outlook, thoughts and feelings.

These are simple concepts, clichés because they’re true. Yet somehow I forgot. I was so focused on when and how the Trump presidency and the pandemic would end so I could go back to normal that I didn’t realize that I could take steps to return to normalcy now.

Here are some things I’m doing to restore my sanity, even before Trump leaves office and the pandemic ends.

I’m turning off my phone for periods of time. The algorithms are designed to keep us surgically tethered to our phones. I’ve found that taking a few hours off during the day not only makes me feel more upbeat, I don’t miss a thing by doing so.

I’m trying meditation. Those who know me know this is a laughable prospect, but I’m trying it. It promises to improve my overall well-being and brain health, and I’m all for that.

I’m celebrating the victories. Right now, we have not one, not two, but three viable vaccines that have the promise of ending this pandemic, yet much of the news is focused on Trump’s weakening of our democratic structures. His behavior is reprehensible and important to call out, but fretting and wringing my hands over it isn’t going to stop it. Instead, I can do more for my own peace of mind by focusing on the good vaccine news.

I’m looking for ways to be of service to others. Can I pick up a few items at the store for someone else? Can I share some toilet paper, soap or other sometimes hard-to-find necessities with neighbors? Can I donate to worthy causes?

I’m cleaning out my closets. I don’t know why or how it works, but I do know that when I declutter, I have more energy and can think more clearly.

I’m trying to spread kindness in the world. I’m making an effort to share appreciation when it is due. Somehow this always makes me feel better.

I’m flooding my consciousness with puppies and children and snow and cheesy movies. There’s nothing like a good rom com to remind you that a certain fantasy world exists where all is made better after an improbable meet cute and the formation of a solid relationship.

I’m looking for ways to make my life better. Can I sleep a little later? Call a friend? Is there a new movie, song, book, television show, podcast or TikTok to enjoy that is funny and upbeat? All these things are great mood-boosters.

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