There are two topics I always stay away from on this blog, politics and religion. But there are times when either or both of these things can cause mental stress for anyone.
Like many of you, my social media news feeds have been inundated with politics. It feels inescapable, headline after headline, opinion after opinion, outrage after outrage. It’s easy to get swept up in it, to feel a sense of helplessness or anxiety over things that are beyond our control.
But here’s the truth: We can’t control the decisions of politicians. We can’t control the endless debates online. We can’t control how others react to world events. What we can control, however, is our own mindset, our own actions, and how much space we allow these stressors to take up in our lives.
The Power of Shifting Focus
When we put too much energy into things we have no power over, we drain ourselves emotionally and mentally. Instead of doomscrolling and letting external chaos dictate our mood, we can shift our focus to what’s within our control:
- Our Reactions – We can choose how we respond to negativity and stress. Instead of engaging in heated debates, we can disengage, set boundaries, and protect our peace.
- Our Daily Habits – What we consume, how we spend our time, and the self-care we prioritize all shape our well-being. Instead of letting stress win, we can read, create, exercise, meditate—whatever keeps us centered.
- Our Environment – Curating our space, both physically and digitally, makes a difference. We can unfollow accounts that bring negativity, limit news exposure, and surround ourselves with uplifting content.
- Our Perspective – Instead of feeling powerless, we can focus on the small but meaningful ways we can make a difference—through kindness, helping our communities, and choosing gratitude over frustration.
Finding Peace in Letting Go
Letting go of what we can’t control doesn’t mean ignoring the world or being indifferent. It means recognizing where our power lies and directing our energy in ways that actually benefit us. It’s about choosing peace over unnecessary stress, resilience over frustration, and clarity over chaos.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the noise of the world, take a deep breath and ask yourself: What is within my control? Then focus on that. Because that’s where your true power lies.