One Way to Feel Less Stressed in Tough Times
Step back. When traumatic events are occurring, whether it’s a natural disaster, pandemic, or mass shooting, you need to stay abreast of the news, but at the same time avoid retraumatizing yourself by immersing yourself in round-the-clock coverage, says Dr. Ressler. Limit the time you spend in front of the screen or reading about the events of the day. The goal is to stay informed without increasing your anxiety level. Turn off the notifications on your phone, and be particularly wary of spending too much time on social media.
“People have the tendency to amplify each other’s panic,” says Dr. Ressler. “Instead, limit your exposure to checking in on the news a couple of times a day, and then turn it off. Listen to an unrelated podcast, or go for a run.”