It seems like our world is currently in chaos with news surrounding topics that impact many families across the globe. As the American Psychological Association claims, watching the news is stressful and creates high anxiety, but during times like now where people across the world are being hurt, I feel like that effect has become significantly more severe. Although I am not an “expert,” I’ve developed a list of five ways to help me de-stress and even tried them myself this past weekend.
Tip one: Take a break from watching the news.
I understand that sometimes we need to watch the news to stay informed about topics that may directly affect ourselves, our family, or our friends. However, from personal experience, I believe that consistently doing so can develop into a toxic and unhealthy habit that helps brew high-functioning stress rather than calm nerves. After a few weeks of news-watching, I began to gradually avoid the channel instead and opted out of opening my Instagram account, where news updates always appear on my recommended feeds. Instead, I’ve been staying in the loop once in a while by asking a trusted friend or family member. Sometimes I’ll check in with the news updates, but for now, taking generous breaks from news-upkeep has severely helped with my worries.
Rather than watching the news, other activities, such as those outlined in tips two through five, are great ways that keep my mind occupied.
Tip two: Read fiction
As an avid reader, I’m always found with a book in my hand. I tend to bring my current read with me wherever I go, even if the chances of me being able to actually read are low, because what if I do get that small chance to finish the last chapter? I’ve always loved reading fiction because it takes me away from the real world. Books are a means of fun that transport us into another dimension of fictional issues, love and challenge, where the main character is likely to overcome such circumstances. Reading fiction can be a nice distraction from our current problems and a great way to keep our brains active! In fact, researchers at the University of Sussex found that reading fiction for just six minutes can reduce stress by over 60%.
When we get caught up in the story, we feel relaxed and at ease.
Tip three: Try new recipes
This past weekend, all I’ve done is cook — and it surprisingly took up all my time! My goal was to prepare enough dishes throughout the week so that I’d not only have filling lunches during the workweek, but I would also have dinner ready for me when I get back home. John Canel — who on YouTube has a channel named Preppy Kitchen — is a fantastic cook that I have been watching for recipe inspiration. On Friday, I made his chili, and on Saturday, his spaghetti and meatballs. With my own recipe I also created BBQ chicken quesadillas, and today I plan to follow Canel’s broccoli and cheddar soup recipe. I know he also posts delicious desserts as well such as recipes for key lime pie and Oreo cake!
Cooking (and baking) is a great way to fill your time with a more hands-on activity and provides you with a reward at the end! You can find new comfort food or invite some friends over to share a meal with you. I believe it has been a great way to take my mind off things while actively improving a crucial life skill we should all learn — cooking.
Tip four: Develop a new routine
Sometimes we just need a change. Whether it’s a gym routine or your typical daily to-do list, I have found that mixing things up have helped prevent these tasks from feeling like annoying chores to a bit more of an activity-type exercise. In other words, by changing the way I normally do things, I am digging myself out of being in a rut and avoiding potential burnout. According to the podcast Killer Innovations, creating new habits and ways to accomplish tasks can help form your creativity as well, stimulating your brain to approach things differently!
Tip five: Watch comfort movies with a friend
Being with a good friend is fun, and watching a comfort movie feels like being wrapped up in a warm blanket. That said, watching a comfort movie with a good friend is the best of both worlds. Friends bring us support and comfort, and in these times, we may need that the most. Sometimes, being with a friend in silence is all we need. Sometimes, just the physical presence of your friend is what we need, and the movie is there to help bring you together.
I hope these activities comfort you or find some way to de-stress your mind like they did for me. While we keep in touch with what is going on, we need to keep in touch with our mental health as well.
Stay strong, Hoosiers.
Aryana Amin-Tehrani (she/her) is a senior studying marketing, management and digital and social media business applications.
