Sourced from NPR | Feb 25, 2022 and LAIst
The world has shifted as of late.
Russia has invaded Ukraine and the reality of conflict sends a huge shock to our system.
I'm sure many of these questions have run across your mind, such as "How did we get here?" "What does all of this mean?" "What does this mean for my life? And what can I do about it?"
We have been asking ourselves these questions. Sometimes, we don't need to have all the answers. It's okay to want to feel in control and seek comfort where you can.
A few ways to support the people in Ukraine include making donations to or spreading the word on this non-exhaustive list of organizations: UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders, Voices of Children, Sunflower of Peace and International Committee of the Red Cross. (Read more on ways you can help.)
While you care about what's going on around you, don't forget to care for yourself in other ways too.
Breathe.
LA Johnson/NPR
If you're feeling your body contracting or overheating, step away from whatever you're doing and take a deep breath. Here's a five-finger breathing exercise that can bring you back to the moment. Or if you want to take it a step further, try these meditation and mindfulness exercises for beginners.
Get moving.
Molly Magnell for NPR
Do something that feels good for your body and helps you get out of your head. We've got lots of tools to help: whether that's deep cleaning or comfort decorating to create a cozier space, tips on learning a new skill, or jump starting your exercise routine.
Nourish yourself.
LA Johnson/NPR
The kitchen is a safe space for a lot of us. Maybe this is the weekend that you finally re-create Grandpa's famous lasagna, or learn how to make a prettier pie, or maybe just lose yourself in some kitchen organization.
Stay connected.
Credit: Becky Harlan/NPR
When the news is scary, it's easy to get lost in our own heads. Reach out to loved ones instead. That could look like sitting down to write an actual letter to a relative, spending time with neighbors, playing (or creating!) games with family, or even taking the time to write down those generational stories. If you have little ones who are struggling to go to bed at the end of the day, try talking to them about the heavy news head-on.
Or, sign off
Remember that it's OK not to be plugged into the news. By turning off your alerts or checking the headlines once or twice a day, you may be able to feel more grounded and prioritize yourself and your loved ones.
It's important for all of us to stay informed citizens of the world, and also to remember: take it easy on yourself, and on each other.
