I’m not usually one to get sucked into social media. I could go days or even weeks without being on Facebook. That was BEFORE the inauguration. Now...
I think I have literally made myself sick from obsessively reading the news.
For the past month, I spent my evenings flicking from my news app to my Facebook feed to posts in the million secret groups I’m in. I would do this way past my bedtime, depriving myself of (even more) sleep. During the day, I could concentrate on my work for about 15 minutes before I’d start checking what member of Congress I should be calling and why. This is one of the pitfalls of working from home...right now I’m missing having co-workers to shame me into not wasting my whole day freaking out over what I’m seeing on Facebook. Or to talk with and feel like I’m not crazy for being so worried.
When I started seeing posts about “self care,” I chortled. “No wonder they’re calling us snowflakes,” I thought...as I sipped my homemade coconut milk latte in a limited edition Rodarte mug.
It had to catch up with me eventually, and it did. My skin looks like absolute shite, and I caught every little bug that’s going around at the sitter’s and Sweetpea’s pre-school. I spent the last two weekends in a weirdly detached brain fog coupled with fatigue, stomach issues, fevers, and sore throats. Usually the kind to power through illness, I had to give up and spend an entire day in bed while hubs entertained the kids by taking them to the hardware store.
So, here’s what I’ve had to do to keep my sanity intact. If you’re feeling like I am, maybe this will help you too:
- After 10 pm, no: news, Facebook, Twitter, political podcasts, or even political comedy (sorry John, sorry Trevor). Instead, watch a favorite show or (gasp) go to bed early.
- Get back into exercising regularly, even if it’s nothing more than a short walk.
- Spend time every day taking in beauty.
Lately, that beauty has been via Pinterest. If you’re needing some inspiration yourself, here are some gorgeous boards that might lift your mood:
Lisa Congdon
Lisa is a Portland-based illustrator. I honestly can’t remember how I found her, but if you’re a fan of Martha Stewart, Land of Nod, Air BnB or a plethora of other brands, you’ve likely seen her work.
Design Mom
There’s a reason she has so many followers! I could spend the better part of an hour looking at all the eye candy Gabrielle Blair has curated for our enjoyment.
Lucille Michieli
Lucille is a Paris-based illustrator and set designer, whose work has a whimsical focus on kids.
Fathom
Wanderlust-y photography from the hip travel site.
Home with Littles
You didn’t think I’d NOT mention that one, did you? Sorry, shameless plug. A growing collection of things that I love, use, and that inspire me.
What about you? Any great boards to recommend to us? Are you struggling daily with news binging? How are you dealing with it?
I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
XO
Sara
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