Politics is like a Mental Space Invader

Politics. Just saying the word probably made your blood pressure spike a little, didn’t it? It’s everywhere, like glitter after a craft project or that one annoying relative who always shows up uninvited. Whether you’re scrolling through your social media feed, watching the news, or just trying to enjoy a coffee break at work, politics has a way of creeping into every conversation, every tweet, and every headline. And let’s be honest, it’s mentally exhausting. It’s all bullshit, and it’s high time we call it out.

The Mental Toll of Constant Political Exposure

Ever feel like your brain is running a marathon, but you’re not getting any closer to the finish line? That’s what constantly engaging with political content can do to you. A study from the American Psychological Association found that a significant portion of the population experiences stress due to political discussions and media coverage. It’s no surprise, given that we are bombarded with political opinions, debates, and crises from all sides, all the time.

It’s like living in a house with a fire alarm that won’t stop beeping. You can’t think straight, you can’t focus, and after a while, you just want to rip the damn thing off the wall. Politics, in its current omnipresent form, is that beeping fire alarm, and it’s time we find a way to hit the mute button, at least for a while.

The Psychology Behind Political Stress

First, let’s get one thing straight: It’s not just you. The constant exposure to political content can cause real psychological stress. Our brains are wired to respond to threats, and political news often presents itself as a constant barrage of threats, threats to our way of life, our values, our safety. This keeps our brains in a state of heightened alert, which is not sustainable in the long run.

Moreover, engaging in political debates, especially online, can lead to a phenomenon known as “ego depletion.” Essentially, it means that our self-control and willpower get worn out after constant engagement in stressful activities, like arguing with strangers on Facebook about tax policy. No wonder you feel like you need a nap after scrolling through your news feed.

How to Detach and Reclaim Your Mental Space

So, how do we reclaim our mental space from the relentless onslaught of political content? Here are a few tips to help you detach and recharge:

1. Set Boundaries: Decide on specific times when you will check the news or engage in political discussions. Outside of those times, give yourself permission to tune out. It’s okay to be informed, but you don’t need to be inundated. Remember, the world won’t end if you miss the latest bullshit political scandal for a few hours.
2. Curate Your Feed: Unfollow or mute accounts that constantly post political content. Follow more accounts that post about your hobbies, interests, or anything that makes you smile. Yes, cat videos are a legitimate form of therapy. Plus, cats don’t give a shit about politics.
3. Engage in Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques to bring your focus back to the present moment. Activities like meditation, yoga, or even just deep breathing can help you disconnect from the political noise. Picture this: your mind, a calm blue ocean, free from the relentless tide of political crap.
4. Find a Hobby: Engage in activities that bring you joy and have nothing to do with politics. Whether it’s cooking, gardening, painting, or even binge-watching a new series, give your brain something else to chew on. When was the last time you did something just for the hell of it?
5. Limit Discussions: Politely steer conversations away from politics. Use humor if needed: “Hey, let’s not ruin a good coffee with bad politics. Did you see the latest episode of that show?” Or, more bluntly, “Can we not talk about that political shitstorm today?”
6. Take Social Media Breaks: Schedule regular social media detox periods. Go outside, meet friends in person (and agree to keep politics off the table), or simply enjoy some digital-free time. Trust me, your brain will thank you for the break from all the online bullshit.

Embrace the Power of Saying “No”

Remember, it’s perfectly fine to say “no” to political discussions when you’re not up for it. It doesn’t make you uninformed or irresponsible. It makes you smart enough to know that you need to protect your mental health. Just like you wouldn’t eat junk food all day, you shouldn’t consume political content non-stop.

A Final Thought

In the immortal words of Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Don’t let the constant noise of politics drown out the things that truly matter to you. Hit the mute button, take a step back, and breathe. Your brain will thank you.

Now, go enjoy a cat video or two. Trust me, it’s the kind of therapy we all need right now. And remember, all this political nonsense? It’s just bullshit.