Maintaining Balance in Turbulent Times – Retirement Reflections

Over the past couple of months, I’ve been trying to stay informed about attacks on our country’s sovereignty and the responses of our political leaders—without letting stress, exhaustion, or constant anger take over. At the same time, I have tried to avoid the opposite extreme of shutting down entirely. This has been no easy balancing act. Here are a few actions that have helped me personally to manage overwhelm during this politically turbulent time.

Spotting the Warning Signs

Increased muscle tension, fatigue, irritability, and recurring minor infections—at first, I ignored these signs. When I recognized them as symptoms of stress, I realized that the constant stream of political news was likely a key culprit. At that point, I began to look for ways to stay informed without sacrificing my well-being.

Smart News Habits – Breaking Free from Doomscroolling

I went from someone who never discussed politics publicly to someone consumed by it. It didn’t help that my husband frequently has the news playing on repeat in our open-concept space. To regain balance, I took deliberate steps, limiting the overall amount of news that I consumed. I aimed to follow ‘gold standard’ sources that were reliable, politically neutral and focused on fact over (sensationalized) opinion. I also restricted my news intake to specific times of the day (e.g., never before bedtime).

Each evening, I escaped into a short novella. This practice helped relax my mind and body before sleep and provided a sense of completion when so much else felt in flux.

Small Actions, Big Impact

None of us are powerless. Each of our small, mindful actions can add up to making a big difference, especially when we stand united.

In response to recent political turmoil, a strong grassroots movement in Canada has encouraged buying Canadian products whenever possible. I have embraced this mission, adapting recipes to focus on locally grown produce and cancelling longstanding accounts with large American companies.

Each of us has a ‘town hall,’ which includes our social media accounts and networks. This was a bigger leap for me, but I have embraced it. I believe that being informed, validating our news sources, fact-checking, and taking whatever actions we can will move us forward. As a result, I have actively advocated for these principles on my social media platforms. A wonderful silver lining is that, through this, I have reconnected with many people I had lost contact with over the years.

Additionally, Richard and I have contacted our elected representative, who has personally returned our calls. Most importantly, we’ll be voting on April 28.

The Power of Community

Political tension and differences can exacerbate loneliness. Increasingly, researchers claim that this sense of isolation is as detrimental as smoking 12 cigarettes a day. I’m grateful for friends I can meet up with regularly—for walks, book clubs, happy hours, or just to hang out.

As I mentioned above, some friends with whom I had minimal contact over the last few years have reached out to share solidarity over tensions in Canada. This, in turn, has reminded me to reach out to others who may appreciate a friendly hello or a listening ear.

Healthy Fuel

A tired me is a cranky me (as is a hungry one). I have focused on getting 8+ hours of sleep each night, keeping up with daily exercise, and continuing to eat healthily while keeping ultra-processed foods out of my diet.

This focus has helped keep my body and mind healthy, given me a sense of accomplishment, and offered a welcome distraction from politics. And on the days when I didn’t completely follow through? I gave myself grace!

Joy Amid Chaos

I saw this post on Facebook, which was a powerful reminder of the important things in life. Interestingly, Richard also saw it on his feed (we usually have very different FB algorithms). Unaware that I had already included it in my draft, he showed it to me and noted that we were actively engaged in all but one item on the list.

Neither of us is a napper, at least not currently. If the truth be told, I’m not much of a slow morning gal (though I’m definitely a slow-evening one). However, Richard loves his ‘hurkle-durkle’ time before emerging from bed, so perhaps I benefit from this through osmosis.

Final Thoughts

My first step in managing the stress of our current times was acknowledging that I can’t do everything I want to in each of these categories. But I can do something, and that knowledge, above all else, has strengthened my resilience.

When I woke this morning (and this post was already scheduled), I saw this piece from Robert Reich (professor, political commentator, and former United States Secretary of Labour) in my inbox. Although more articulate and concise, his message was the same as I have written here. It feels good knowing that we are not alone.

How have you kept yourself balanced in turbulent times? I would love to discover any tips you have and add them to my repertoire. My cohosts and I invite you to join us in sharing what wellness has looked like for you this past month.

We look forward to seeing you here!

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Black and White

Why the black-and-white post? Although I have been focussing on maintaining balance and positivity, the grey surrounding us remains ever-present. This strengthens my resolve to stand together with like minds and do all we can to lift the darkness

Acknowledgements

• Feature Photo – Unsplash.
• Desire to Be Well Informed cartoon – David Sipress, Cartoonist for The New Yorker.
• I Had to Stop Watching cartoon – David Sipress, Cartoonist for The New Yorker.
• Made in Canada – Facebook Group helping people to source Canadian products.
• The Real Luxuries Image – Learning Petals Facebook Group which emphasizes positive behaviours.

Published by Retirement Reflections

Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.
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