COVID Media consumption may inhibit presence

About ten days ago I was following the Coronavirus very closely. I read a lot of articles and watched many videos. As a health practitioner, I felt I needed to stay informed.

Now I’m realizing that I don’t need to know quite as much. I see that the more I read about COVID-19, the less I’m able to be present in myself and with my family. Anxiety takes over and then I need to do a lot of practices to release my worry and ground myself.

This weekend I slowed down. I read the newspaper a little on Saturday, but Sunday I just tuned it all out. I rested and read a novel. What good medicine!

Many of you are at home with your kids, like I am. Our routines are completed upside down. We’re trying to navigate working from home and kids’ online school without the usual in-person support of our friends and family. I know for many of you that’s just the tip of the stress list.

By all reasonable standards, we’re all dealing with a lot. Please be compassionate with yourself and your family. If you entered this time with health challenges, you’ll need a double dose of self-compassion.

We have to mindful of where we spend our precious energy. The news consumes a lot of energy and creates a lot of anxiety. Stay informed but only at the level you can manage. Hours of watching Coronavirus Youtube videos is not the best way to stay balanced.

Now is a time for presence. You can find more specific support on how to be present during these challenging times in my Facebook group, Presence Heals. Newcomers are welcome.