Battling Political Fatigue

Has the news sucked the very life out of you? Do you find yourself scrolling on social media, desperate for any signs of radiant hope for the current state of our country, here in the United States? You may suffer from political fatigue! Like many of you, I feel the same way.

Since January, political information has inundated the United States. Every week, new executive orders soar from the oval office. US citizens who laud the actions of the commander-in-chief embrace the reshaping of the country. However, for those opposing this rapid fire of policies wake up every morning weighed down by anxiety. The stress of politics, coupled with our daily work schedules, forces us in a constant loop of fatigue. This has been my experience recently. Let me share two strategies that may help you cope with what is happening.

Social Media

First, try to limit your time on social media. Remember, developers created the app to keep you on it. Pumping your brain with dopamine to keep you wanting more. If you can program your phone to limit your time on social media, it will help stabilize your mental health.

- For iPhone users: Simply go to [setting] > [screen time] > [app limits]. From there you can custom which apps you want to limit yourself to and how long. Once you turn on the setting, you can enjoy social media and watch the limit cut you off (it will warn you when you have five minutes left).

- For Android users: You can find similar setting under the digital wellbeing and parental controls. I am including a link here for you: digital well-being.

Controlling screen time may help become more productive limiting your time on social media apps. Of course, you can always bypass the control setting, or even turn it off, but taking the time to do so requires extra steps. The brief second to contemplate may help you make a rational decision for your own mental health.

Limit your News Intake

Political junkies, like myself, continually bury our noses in the news. With the present regime in office, determining a reliable media outlet has become a problem. I would recommend turning to either international new outlets to gain an outside perspective on the events happening in our country, or research and find an independent outlet to sip in the news. Corporate media stations presently lean either right or left, depending on their funding. Similar to social media, limit yourself to a few articles and move on with your life.

How to Spark Joy

Ultimately, we muddle through joyless days because of the fatigue we have injected ourselves with. Reclaim your time and re-spark your joy. Put down your phone and revisit some of your old hobbies. I recently learned the design of information overflow is to keep people overwhelmed and tired. To push people to the point of apathy and stop us from resisting. We must not lose who we are and that which makes us happy. If you need to, take a break from politics (whether it is a day or a week), go hiking. Reconnect with nature. Hang out with friends and enjoy the moment together. Join a sports group and fill your dopamine with activities to re-energize yourself.

The United States continues to change every day with Trump 2.0. If you have read Project 2025, you are aware of the end goal. US citizens opposing the outcome must continue to stand up for our country and protect each other and the future of our children. One form of protest is self-care and stabilizing your mental health. Without a strong mind and physical body, we surrender to hopelessness. Let these suggests help you find balance in your life. Remember, you are not alone. There are millions of others standing alongside you.

Share in the comment any other suggestions you have, or tried, to keep your energy and spirits up.