When major events like war dominate the headlines, it’s normal to feel mixed emotions, including anger, sadness, and helplessness. But navigating these feelings constructively is essential to maintaining hope and resilience. Here are a few mindful strategies to help manage your emotions and take meaningful action.
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Stay Informed—but Protect Your Peace
Staying updated is important, but constant exposure to distressing news can overwhelm you. Choose trustworthy sources, diversify perspectives, and set limits on consuming content about conflict. I receive the news every morning with my emails and watch some news on television at the gym. I avoid checking the news at other times. I personally like the Wall Street Journal because ot the global reach
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Make a Positive Impact
Small actions can contribute to meaningful change. Use your voice thoughtfully by raising awareness on social media or encouraging peaceful, solution-driven policies through outreach to representatives (if applicable). Kindness and care at a local or global level can have ripple effects. Writing about it in my newsletter is my contribution. You can read it here
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Share your experiences with colleagues and friends
Ask yourself what this situation sparks within you. What are your values surrounding justice, compassion, or peace? I look for opportunities to talk to friends and colleagues about how the war news affects me. Normalizing experiences helps manage emotions during wartime.
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Practice Emotional Care
It’s okay to feel deeply. Acknowledge those emotions without judgment. Give yourself space to breathe; lean on grounding activities like journaling, meditating, or spending time in nature. If feelings of sadness or anxiety become overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek support from a therapist or a support hotline. Taking care of yourself is a form of strength, not weakness.
Acknowledging challenges to manage our emotions in war times is essential to healing, as is finding meaningful actions that align with your principles. By managing emotions with empathy for yourself and others, you can remain grounded while contributing positively to the world around you.
