How We're Coping
Staying informed without overwhelm
There’s a lot of noise meant to distract us from real issues, so I asked some of you how you were coping and compiled some of the more frequent responses. Many of us work long hours and have small children to care for, so we really don’t have time (even if we succumb occasionally) to scroll. But more importantly, we shouldn’t any of our already-limited precious time & attention to such noise. Focus on the actions, the root issues, and keep on keeping on.
I’m only going to list a handful of options per coping mechanism because, again, I’m trying not to overwhelm. Feel free to list additional ones in comments for others.
NEWLETTERS. I’m following a few newsletters (On Substack) to simplify my news feed so that I can stay engaged, decipher the real issues I want to know about, and avoid disassociating and burying my head in the sand. Admittedly, my feed is so lacking in diversity it makes me uncomfortable, so please drop your recommendations below. I haven’t sought out all my transfer follows from other social media here, and I’d love to be reminded who I’m missing
The Preamble by Sharon McMahon. Known on Instagram as “America’s Government Teacher” sharing a daily newsletter that “will help you feel more confident in your knowledge about how government and politics work in the United States.”
Emily In Your Phone - From “Senator to Instagram hype woman” she recently shared 10 actionable ways to prepare for the next four years which I think are essential to consider. Related to increasing newsletter follows: Emily suggests to create email filters so newsletters are auto-filtered into a folder that you can open and read on your own time instead of as soon as they pop up.
Letters from an American - Professor of American history with a chronicle of today’s political landscape.
for News not Noise.AP/BBC (though imperfect, a necessary at times)
PODCASTS: I typically listen to podcasts in the car but with a short commute, I haven’t done so as much lately. Here’s a few of my faves + crowdsourced faves for you.
I like listening to Scott Galloway’s office hours because he gives some valuable tips, many of which intersect business life and parenthood.
This American Life is a classic.
Pantsuit Politics. Headlines with good news and positive trends as well as complicated stories with perspective.
If you need something with more grip, Against the Odds by Wondery (survival stories), and if you have kids, we also loved the Melon’s House Party by Wondery, as well, and have heard Who’s Amazing Life is great.
DRINK TEA: Are we indulging in beverage culture? I drink black coffee and use a one press nespresso, so no recs on that front, and I don’t feel like I’ve mastered a good milk tea at home, but there absolutely is good and bad loose leaf tea. Some of my favorites to wind down with:
Smith’s* Peppermint Tea (decaf)
Dammans’s Vert Jasmine* Green Tea
Kettl Uji Genmaimatcha
DRINK BOBA: And because the news cycle is too depressing not to also treat yourself, here’s a list of my current local faves (which might be near you too. I usually order level 0-33% sugar (whichever is least and depends on my mood); sub honey when possible; with less ice.
3Cat - Jade Matcha (also worth trying their Barley Popping Boba; Mochi — but independently)
TPTea- TieGuanYing Oolong Tea; Honey Jasmine Tea
Jam Jam Tea - Phoenix Oolong Tea; Phoenix Oolong Milk Tea
Luxweet - Osmanthus Oolong Milk Tea (Less creamer)
BOOKS: I trend towards fantasy because I crave and enjoy (need?) the escape, but here are some other feel good recommendations.
The Alice Network, Katie Quinn
Funny Story, Emily Henry
House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
The Inheritance Games series
Murderbot Series
Thrones of Glass Series
HEALTH AWARENESS. Take care of yourself, physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Get your annual check up scheduled (including your mammogram if you’re eligible). Get your dental cleaning. Get your eyes checked.
Find a therapist. See said therapist.
Take your supplements.
Take a 15 minute walk outside. Take that yoga, Pilates, barre, or fitness class. Do meditation or stretching. try a red light sauna.
Delete your reproductive tracking apps (just in case).
Make sure you have discussed reproductive plan(s) with your doctor.
TV SHOWS BINGING: Because more escapism can help sometimes
Feel Good: Shrinking, Ted Lasso, Schitt’s Creek; Hacks
Dystopian/Mystery: Silo; Severance; The Last of Us; Dark. Speaking from traumatized 2016 Alice, stay far away from Handmaid’s Tale. It hits way too close to home to be an entertaining escape.
Animated: Blue Eyed Samurai; Arcane
Romance: Nobody Wants This; Never Have I Ever
Other: Shogun
LOCAL ENGAGEMENT:
Join local causes you believe in
Particular near and dear to us - Los Angeles County efforts:
Donation and food drives
Habitat for Humanity
Seek Mentoring or Mentorships in your area of expertise
Learn something new
Keep Calling and writing to Congress
Most importantly, know that every discussion you engage in, is your choice. Draw boundaries. Use your voice when it’s something you feel strongly in, otherwise, find your peace.
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