Where Your Attention Goes, Your Energy Flows
Mar 03, 2024
Hi there,
I've been reflecting on how the constant influx of news, can have a negative impact on my mood.
In an era where information is at our fingertips staying informed seems like a responsibility. Being informed about global events, such as conflicts overseas or the latest crime reports. But, the boundary between informed and overwhelmed is thinner than we often acknowledge. The adage "where your attention goes, your energy flows" serves as a poignant reminder of this impact.
It's natural to care about global and local issues. Compassion and empathy for others' suffering and a desire for a better world drive us to stay updated. Yet, immersing ourselves in the constant stream of news, especially concerning topics. Ones that evoke fear, sadness, or anger, can have a profound negative impact on our mental health. This continuous exposure can lower our mood. It can increase our anxiety, and even lead to feelings of helplessness or despair. This is my experience anyway. Especially when going through trying times like the upheaval of a house fire.
This then has a flow on affect to the rest of our lives.
The psychological concept of 'attentional bias' explains how our focus on negative events can skew our perception of the world. It can make us more likely to notice and remember adverse events. This bias can reinforce a cycle of negativity, affecting our mood and mental state. The energy we invest in worrying about these issues is energy we withdraw from other aspects of our lives. Neglecting our personal growth, relationships, and joy.
Yet, this doesn't mean we should turn a blind eye to the world's problems. Rather, it's about finding a balance. A balance between staying informed and protecting our mental health.
While it's important to me to stay informed and care about these issues, my own mental health matters more, Yours does too!
I wanted to share some thoughts and strategies I've used to manage this balance better. It's become clear that where we direct our attention influences our energy and mood:
✅ Limit News Consumption. Set specific times to check the news and stick to reputable sources. Avoid doomscrolling, especially before bed. This can cause sensory overload when we want the opposite at night time.
✅ Engage in Positive Action. Channel your concerns into constructive actions. Like volunteering, donating, or advocating for causes you care about. This can help mitigate feelings of helplessness.
✅ Practice Mindfulness. Engage in activities that ground you in the present moment. This can help reduce anxiety and stress.
✅ Diversify Your Focus: Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Cultivate hobbies. Spending time with loved ones. Engage in physical activity to improve your mood and resilience. Engage in yoga for similar reasons. I had to put some items I salvaged from the fire away about 1 month after. I had gotten sick of looking at them and the fact I hadn't managed to get all the soot off them. Sure I'm extremely grateful to have them but looking at them all the time just brought me back to that night. It put me in the past all the time not in the present.
✅ Seek Support: Talk about your feelings with friends, family, or a professional. Sharing your concerns can help ease them.
Remember, taking care of your mental health doesn't mean you're ignoring the world's problems. It means you're ensuring you have the energy and resilience to contribute positively to them. By consciously directing our attention, we can find balance. A balance that allows us to be informed, compassionate citizens without compromising our wellbeing.
With Gratitude,
Liz
