It’s hard to escape the mayhem of this year’s Presidential Election. There’s no corner of the digital media space that hasn’t let politics creep into their news cycle. After all, focusing on partisan hijinks helps drive up viewership and revenue. In addition, the candidates inadvertently create “newsworthy” content for free – too tempting to ignore for most media outlets. Families looking to avoid the stress and anxiety attributed to a lengthy, derisive, and emotionally charged Presidential election have their work cut out for them. Yet, hope springs eternal.
Creating Your Own Existence
Regaining control of one’s life can be as simple as pushing a button. For example, turning off the time-consuming electronic gadgets. Thankfully, the world continues to be a place of infinite discovery and wonder. Reconnecting both internally and externally without the need for artificial distractions presents numerous local options.
- Exploring Nature – Taking a walk, or hiking, or even a bike ride in the great outdoors can free your mind. Some of my greatest adventures as a kid were directly associated with taking a bike ride. Unlike riding in a car, it’s easy to stop at any given moment and take a look around.
- Visiting Museums – There are an infinite amount of choices. One could choose a different category almost every day of the week.
- Reading a Book – Adventure begins in the mind. A good book transports the reader.
- Play – Whether it’s organized sports or free play, for kids and adults play offers the fountain of youth.
- Art – Play an instrument, sing, dance, illustrate, Act, write, sculpt, or whatever ignites creative expression within.
- Visiting friends – We don’t choose our family but we do select our friends. Connecting with others in real life makes us human.
- Actively Finding Solitude – Sitting alone in a quiet room removed from distraction of the outside world offers a much needed break for one’s mind. Some might meditate. Others will find solace in the downtime of solitude.
Balance needn’t be an elusive goal. With a little bit of effort, the end results can be quite rewarding. And if any of the above suggestions should fail to lead to the harmony you’re seeking, there’s always Netflix.
What’s your take?
