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Wrestling with Political News Burn-out
There are worse things in the world than suffering from following the political news; I’m well aware of that. But it makes sense now and then to see where I measure on the news emotional spectrum, and at the moment I’m getting close to bottoming out.
It’s worthwhile to clarify for myself just what “burn-out” is since the term isn’t always understood. In my case, I define it not so much as getting far too much information from too many sources (although that’s part of it); it’s more about realizing how helpless I am to influence the entire scene: government and its ineptness, politicians who aren’t interested in governing, citizens who know very little about what is going on, and the media that is primarily representing the Left and distorts nearly everything it reports. And for the most part, there is nothing I can do. But here are a few things I’m going to try:
- Limit my ruminations about the news I hear. If I don’t obsess about one report or another, it will reduce my stress level.
- Work on non-attachment to the current events. This approach is not the same as detaching; instead, it’s about creating some emotional distance from what I’m hearing. This step complements #1 above. It’s not easy, but it’s powerful.
- Celebrate those few positive things that are occurring. Knowing that Republicans (not just Trump) are pushing back against the Democrats is very encouraging.
- Remind myself (as @seawriter reminded me) that polls are flawed and if anything, present only part of the picture.
- Focus on the present. Take an analytical approach to the latest data. Which leads to #6.
- Don’t get too far ahead in worrying about 2020. Approaching the next several months as if they are a mystery unfolding would put the news in a whole new light!
- Remind myself of all my blessings. In the scheme of things, I’m very lucky!
Does anyone want to join me?
P.S. I realize I could simply take a break from all of it, but that is not going to happen!
Published in Politics
Glad to know you stop by, @ChrisHutchinson!
Yes, I’m having to distance myself from the political news. I support the President in most things, but it’s gotten to the point that I can’t stand to hear him speak. Even in the beginning it was a cringe fest. There’s no cliché I won’t use, so I’ll use this one: fingernails on the chalkboard.
He’s mostly getting the results I want, I keep telling myself.
Turn away from politics more. Turn more to family, friends, good times. Don’t disengage, but don’t obsess.
Very much my thinking, @rhfabian. The last two speeches he gave (MN and LA) were awful, imho. I just can’t listen to his nastiness. I support his work, his policies and just avoid him otherwise. Although I must say that @cliffordbrown included the President’s speech where he talked about supporting our injured troops and visiting Walter Reed. His comments were so heartfelt and powerful–that’s the man I wish we could see more often.