How to Stay Calm in the Chaos
10 tools to quiet the noise
It’s been a week. I honestly haven’t had the energy to post on social media or write an email but wanted to share what I’ve been doing to stay calm and take care of myself during this post-election week. Hopefully some of these can help you too 💖
1. Go to Quiet Places
I published a list of the Quietest Places in NYC a few months ago. I’ve been going to quiet places in nature to center myself. I live a block from Prospect Park which has truly been saving me. This weekend I went to Brighton Beach. Highly recommend beaches during off-peak season, there’s barely anyone there.
2. Decrease Social Media Use
It’s official: I’m done with Twitter. I haven’t posted on Twitter in a few weeks now but after the election, it seemed to get increasingly toxic. It’s a real bummer because Twitter is what kickstarted my art career.
I’ve been very mindful of my screen time for years and have written several pieces with tools to decrease screen time. Here are a few of my favorite tips:
I use a Chrome Extension called StayFocused to block Twitter and Instagram on my computer.
I use Burnout Buddy to schedule times I can use social media/email on my phone. I give myself 15 minute windows 3-5 times a day for social media. I have windows to check my email every 30 minutes between 8-6pm.
On the weekends, I don’t use my phone until 11am. Just starting the day fully offline sets the tone for a calmer day.
I switch my phone + computer to black and white at 10:30pm everyday. Here is how to do it on your phone and on your computer. These dramatic changes are a helpful cue to remind me to shut down my tech. Watching Netflix in black and white is much less exciting.
I have a second phone with only wifi and no social media apps. I place it next to my bed at night and charge my real phone across the room. On this old phone I play meditations right before bed rather than scroll myself to sleep. It also helps me not check socials in the middle of the night or right when I wake up.
3. Meditate
I’ve been using Insight Timer for years now. One of my favorite meditations is a Loving-Kindness Meditation by Sharon Salzberg. This is known as a Metta meditation where you send love and kindness to yourself, people you care about, and the world. I meditate twice a day (10 minutes silent in the morning and 10 minutes guided before bed). On weekend mornings I’ve been doing 20 minute silent meditation.
4. Move your body
I’m writing this after I went for a swim. I’ve been going to the gym, swimming, and on long park walks. Maybe this looks like dancing, gentle yoga, or whatever feels good to you.
5. Read Fiction
I’ve been listening to the audiobook of Tom Lake by Ann Patchett for my book club and it’s narrated by Meryl Streep. It’s the most soothing audiobook I’ve ever listened to. It’s a beautiful, meditative story of a family who lives on a cherry orchard. The mom tells her daughters stories of when she was young, acted in a play, and fell in love with a fellow actor. There isn’t a ton of action in the book and something about that feels very comforting right now.
6. Laugh
Comedy has got me through some of the hardest times in my life. Whether it’s watching my favorite funny TV shows on repeat (New Girl has been the soundtrack of my week) or going to a live comedy show, try to find something silly for a few minutes a day. In the same way that reading fiction pulls me out of the scary reality for a few moments, laughter suspends reality in the same soothing way.
7. Learn something new
When I take away something I’m used to doing with technology (like Twitter), I swap it with a healthy habit. I’ve started doing Duolingo to brush up on my French again. I also am listening to French music and translating the lyrics while singing along. Here’s a little playlist.
8. Make art
I’ve been working on a children’s book about agrivoltaics. I wrote the first draft and illustrated the first mockup on Monday. I tuned out the world and focused on making art all day. It felt so good.
My Climate Art 101 Slack community is also making beautiful art to process the news. It’s been so wonderful to be able to feel seen and supported by this creative community. If you want to join the Slack, you can sign up for the next cohort of Climate Art 101 which launches in January. I’ll give you early access to the Slack.
I’ve also been trying to make art just for fun and for myself. So much of what I do is for others to see and creating art for my eyes only feels special.
9. Talk to friends
I’ve been leaning on friends and family when I feel like talking. Honestly it feels a little easier to not talk too much about it right at this moment or it gets overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to lean on your community.
10. Give yourself grace
It’s okay to not be okay. If you need to curl into bed to watch TV or cancel plans, let yourself. This was one of my very first paintings and I look at it everyday (I adapted it from the Happiness Project Instagram).
When things are hard, take it day by day. If that’s too much, take it hour by hour. And if that’s too much, minute by minute.
This is what’s been working for me. Feel free to comment or share any things that have been working for you. Sending a big hug your way 💖