336. Self-Help When the World is Burning (Feminist Mindset Principles Series Ep 2)
Apr 4, 2024
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Explore how to maintain mental well-being while staying informed about global crises, balance personal empowerment with societal expectations, and engage mindfully with distressing news to make a local difference. Learn about self-coaching, overcoming psychological resistance, and joining a supportive community for feminist mindset growth.
Manage danger signals with thought work to combat constant stress.
Setting boundaries and redirecting focus to personal well-being are crucial amidst societal pressures.
Deep dives
Understanding the Brain's Response to Negative News
Our brains are wired to scan for physical danger, leading to a constant state of alertness, even with non-immediate threats like global events. This response triggers stress hormones meant for physical threats, causing prolonged anxiety and exhaustion without a clear resolution. Thought work is highlighted as a solution to manage this danger signal and avoid the evolutionary misfire of constant stress.
Navigating Social Pressure and Self-Care
In addition to physical danger, our brains also scan for social danger, exemplified by societal pressures to stay informed and outraged about global issues to be considered virtuous. This can lead to self-doubt, anxiety, and feeling inadequate if not constantly consumed by social injustices. The episode emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and redirecting mental energy to personal well-being and local community impact.
Empowering Through Managing Your Mind
To create positive change in the world, managing one's mind is crucial. By refocusing thoughts on proactive actions and personal empowerment, individuals can shift from passive worry to active participation in making a difference. Thought work is highlighted as a tool to regain control over reactions to negative news and channel energy towards tangible improvements in one's own life and community.
You know how it kind of feels like everything is going wrong with the world at once right now? There’s war, climate concerns, an upcoming election, and more. Staying on top of the news is so stressful but ignoring it doesn’t seem like an option either. It’s exhausting and demoralizing and it’s a lot for our brains to handle. But don't worry, I've got you. This episode is going to help you solve this conundrum and figure out how to stay informed and realistic without just bottoming out in despair.