Action is the Antidote to Anxiety
I saw a meme the other day that was 20 things you wish you had heard before, and the first item was this: “Action is the Antidote to Anxiety”. This is definitely true for me, and I think it’s a lot more helpful for my mental health to write postcards, attend rallies and demonstrations, exercise, and listen to music, than it is to doom scroll or listen to the news all day. So that’s what I’ve been doing. I wrote a lot (for me, I know some do more) of postcards to voters this week, for elections in Florida and Wisconsin.
There were 2 protests this week in my town, one on Friday and one on Saturday…Because I have Fridays off from work, I was able to go to both. Friday’s was a march in support of Veterans, protesting the cutbacks to the Veterans’ Administration. There were almost 100 people, which is pretty good for a work day without much notice. I talked to a woman who says she will go to any protest that is within a 1 hour walk (each way) from her house, because she doesn’t drive anymore. Wow.
Saturday’s gathering was the #teslatakedown, and this week there were maybe 750 people. It was GREAT. I thought there would be fewer people because last week’s protest was International Women’s Day, but the momentum is growing. I find it so heartening to be surrounded by other people who feel the same way I do and who are out there speaking up. I was also heartened to read about the protest at Trump Tower demanding the release of Mahmoud Khalil.
One thing about protesting in a blue county in a blue state is that it is a very positive experience. I am surrounded by like minded people, and the people driving by are mostly supportive. We get the occasional jerk or person flipping us off, but mostly it’s fun and just feels really good to be out there showing people that we are really unhappy with what is going on. That is part of why I find it such a positive experience. The history of protests as free speech is clearly not always this way. People often put themselves in danger to express themselves. That is not my situation.
Generally I listen to NPR during my weekday. I don’t listen closely, because I’m working, but I like to have some idea of what is going on in the world. When I’m not listening to that, I listen to playlists. Not curated, I just say, “Alexa (yes, we have Alexa, bah!) play some Sade” or something like that. Yacht rock. Smooth jazz. Sometimes the Cure or Blondie, sometimes current pop songs, but generally I want it to be mellow so I can concentrate. But you know what? I end up hearing the same songs over and over again, so lately I’ve been listening to a Seattle radio station that is new to the Bay Area, KEXP. Ted was listening to it one day and left it on when he left for work, and I found it fun and relaxing. The music is great, really varied and you never know what you’re going to hear next. The DJs are fun as well, and I love the station motto: You Are Not Alone. It’s public radio, funded by listeners from around US (and Canada!), and I even enjoyed listening to their Spring Drive to raise money. Anyway, I was super happy to hear a (very not mellow) song I LOVE from the mid 90s, Seether by 90s alt rock group, Veruca Salt. SO GOOD.
Exercise is of course another antidote to anxiety (another form of action), and I’m finding my daily routine of 20 minutes of weights + 20-30 minutes of yoga + 45-60 minutes of walking to be really helpful. The other day I went out for my walk wearing my glasses rather than my contact lenses, and it was kind of misty drippy, not raining enough for my umbrella, but enough that my glasses were getting wet and I couldn’t see well. Instead of wiping them off and putting my umbrella up, I just took off my glasses and walked with the cool mist on my face. It was so peaceful, and it’s a beautiful time of year here, with trees in bloom and everything green and as lush as it gets in this part of the world (aka, not very. The weeds along the walking trails are green, and the leaves are coming out on the trees.) It felt lovely. And boy, my eyesight is crummy. Across the street from me, there was a shape kind of moving around, and I thought, ‘oh, did someone’s dog get out?’ I put on my glasses so I could see if there was a person with the dog (or dogs) and nope, it was a small flock of turkeys. That made me laugh.
Of course, distractions are also helpful. Enjoying White Lotus on TV, and listening to books (I’m behind on my book reviews…)
Last bit of good news: The 10 year old cat at the rescue where I’ve been volunteering, Ainsling, was adopted on Friday! Yay! A new cat arrived yesterday, but I won’t meet him until Friday (unless he’s adopted before then).
How are you dealing with stress these days? Remember, you are not alone.
34 Comments
Lisa’s Yarns
I haven’t gone to a protest but would like to at some point. It is tricky at my stage of life with young kids as I wouldn’t feel comfortable bringing them. But I would like to get to one at some point! I am trying to limit my news consumption/time on the NYT website so I don’t get too overwhelmed. I mostly rely on a few podcasts to stay updated. I love that Lying King sign from the protest!!!
I have been thinking of you this week as I am reading The Bee Sting! I am about half way through. I am enjoying it but will be glad to be done with the section without punctuation as it makes it harder to read/process. I don’t understand that choice!!
J
I don’t see many kids at the protests so far, but then again I don’t see many people of your age either. I’m almost 60 and I’m on the young side, it’s mostly elderly folks. We brought Maya to a protest against the invasion of Iraq when she was a kid…she must have been about 7. She was fine and had no problem staying close to us and so on. There were three adults and one kid, so our ratio was good too. So maybe in a few years if they’re confortable going.
Regarding the Bee Sting, I listened to it, so I didn’t have any issue with the punctuation. 😉 I’m glad you’re enjoying it regardless!
nance
I’m so glad that the protestors are out in force. I continue to set aside time each morning to write Congress, sign petitions, make phone calls, and write to my state government as well. Ohio has a governor’s race coming up, and the republican party is running Vivek Ramaswamy. UGH. Once again, Ohio’s Democratic Party is failing us; we have no strong candidate. I keep hoping Sherrod Brown will jump in the race. That would make me so happy.
Great news about Ainsling! Her forever home will be pleased with her, I know.
J
Thank you Nance, knowing that you and others are out there doing the work does help keep me motivated! I always wonder how much I should be calling/writing since my reps are all Democrats and so far agree with what I’m doing. I think I need to keep up the pressure anyway.
I’ll admit I was worried about Ainsling, as I wasn’t sure a 10 year old cat would get adopted quickly, but cats do tend to live for a long time, and aside from her weight she is a very healthy cat. I hope they adore her, she was (mostly) very sweet…she did hiss at me and take a swipe once.
AC
Did I post accidentally? Anyway, I was referring to the Triple A of the post. I also wanted to commend you on how much you get done, with your exercise regimen and protesting and so on.
J
I don’t see a comment awaiting moderation, so I’m guessing it has gone into the ether. Thank you for your encouragement!
Daria
Ainsling is adopted, yay! What a pretty kitty!
How am I dealing with stress these days?… I don’t even know… My yoga studio finally closed but T gave me two months on Peloton so I will be using that app for strength, yoga and possibly meditation. Then I will be paying $13 a month. I did some strength today, lower body, and it was great.
I limit my news consumption, sticking to Erza Klein show and pantsuit politics podcasts… T reads a lot of news and he usually updates me in a nutshell.
Haven’t been walking so that is something to consider for stress relief for me, for sure.
J
It sounds like you’re doing great! I agree, walking is really beneficial, because there is something about being outside that really helps my mood. (Weather has to cooperate, of course…not a big issue here except in the summer, when I make sure to go before it gets too hot.)
Nicole MacPherson
Good for you, Julie! It’s so impressive to see someone really take action – great job!
J
Thanks Nicole!
Diane
I’ve joined a Lenten women’s group – basically a bunch or ladies I know who read a daily devotional during Lent and we get together to talk about it a couple times during the season. I’m not in the least religious – my friend had invited me because she thought I was Catholic since my husband was – but I do like the reflection and community I get from the group. Anyhow, last week the reading cited a Bible verse: “And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?” (Matthew 6:27). I think about that verse a lot in this time of anxiety. The priest who wrote the book talks about how the verse is not asking us just to stop worrying, but, on a bigger level to show more concern for others so that we stop worrying about ourselves. I don’t know if I’ve achieved this – I still feel pretty selfish, but I feel like you are embodying this so well with all the activism that you are taking on.
There are plenty of protests and rallies in DC these days, but I don’t know if I would ever go to one – I don’t feel super comfortable in big crowds. My parents used to go to a lot of rallies for Taiwanese independence. I do so admire people who go to rallies and stand up and make noise, though. I guess I’m still struggling to figure out what my brand of activism is.
J
Thank you Diana, I feel pretty selfish most of the time too. I reward myself for these things, because really, I would rather be doing something fun. So if I want to go sit in a cafe and have a coffee while I write my postcards, I do. If I want to sit somewhere with a glass of wine while I write my postcards, I do. If I want to go to lunch after a protest, I do. It’s a very bougie type of activism I guess.
I really like that verse and the book’s interpretation of it. Thank you for sharing it here.
I hope you find your brand of activism. We can all do something, and it absolutely does not have to be the SAME thing. For me, it really does help me feel better.
Ernie
Good for you getting out there. Exercise helps me manage anxiety. Going for a walk with Coach helps too, especially regarding upsetting issues on the home front. When they arise which lately is fairly regular. Cheers to the woman who will walk an hour to a rally.
J
Yes, that outdoor time is really helpful! I’m sorry you’re dealing with upsetting issues on the home front, that is stressful indeed. I hope things improve quickly.
Margaret
I haven’t been exercising enough due to what’s going on with my mom. I could probably fit it in but I’ve been lethargic. (depressed) I’ve never heard of that radio station and I live near Seattle!
J
I’m sorry things are rough with your mom right now Margaret. Hang in there. I hope you find some time to get some walks in, even if they are short.
The radio station is through UDUB. (That’s how I say it in my head, but you know what I mean…U of W)
Kyria @ Travel Spot
The fat cat got adopted! Yay! It seems like most weeks there is a cat, which is not great, but that they are getting adopted, which is great! I am happy that people are willing to do that, and love that this is something you are involved it. Go kitties! Also I am glad that you are involved in the protests. I think that if you don’t stand up for yourself, nothing will ever happen, and so you have to try!
J
Thanks Kyria! Yes, I may try and fail. But I may try and succeed! So that keeps me going.
PocoBrat
I found this post so calming, J…
Knowing there are like-minded people out there working to make this world a better place is sometimes all that matters.
If they happen to enjoy Veruca Salt, foster kitties, are yogis, and enjoy the cool mist on their faces as they walk… well then even better!! <3
J
<3 You made me feel smushie.
Ally Bean
I agree with you that taking action can be a good way to relieve anxiety. I recently read an article about how avoiding the feeling of anxiety does you no good. Instead you can thank your anxiety because by focusing on it, following through in your mind on your worries, you’ll figure out possible answers. And ultimately that’s what you want— to solve a problem, to move forward, to not be stuck.
J
Ally, EXACTLY!!! 🙂
NGS
I’m making the phone calls and sending the postcards. I’m also walking the dog and doing the yoga and reminding myself to breathe. Hopefully it works.
J
Yay Engie! Yes, it helps with the anxiety. Whether it helps with democracy is TBD.
Stephany
There was a protest at the Tesla dealership near me last weekend and it had a pretty good turnout. I was happy to see that! I’m in a blue county in a red state so at least there are like-minded people around me. I am going to try to go to it this weekend!
I always appreciate the actions you are taking. I need to be better about calling my reps because that’s something small I can do here.
J
I hope you go to the protest, I find it so encouraging! I would be interested to hear the age group of your protest. Ours are mostly my age and older. I’m 59 and feel like I’m on the younger end of the spectrum.
Jenny
GREAT post. (And- great news about Ainsling! I’m so happy!) Action is definitely the antidote to anxiety. Sitting around worrying is NOT the answer!
There must be protests around me, but I’m not aware of them. Honestly- I think it would be greeted with hostility (remember this is Tr@mp’s home county… ugh.) What happened to Florida? We voted for Obama! This was not a red state when I moved here.
I can’t remember if I told you this- I got your postcard!!! It was a while ago, and it’s prominently displayed on the bookshelf in my living room. Every time I see it I think “Wait- did I ever thank Julie???” So- thank you!
J
Thanks Jenny, I’m glad you got your postcard! I feel fortunate that I don’t have to consider safety or even it being an unpleasant experience to go to a protest here.
San
What a great post, Julie! I can relate to your post title and I definitely try to “act” in various ways to stay sane these days. If I sit still too much, my mind goes into overdrive.
I’ve been listening to some great political podcasts (instead of listening to the mainstream news) and that has been very helpful for my brain.
And of course, working out is my antidote… (and SWEATING! I think you had a quote recently that said ““The cure for anything is salt water – sweat, tears, or the sea.” and that feels so very true!)
J
Thanks San! Yes, exercise really helps me with stress. I listen to Ezra Klein, but after that I tend to go to entertainment type podcasts so I don’t fixate TOO much.
San
I could swear that I commented on this post, but my comment is not here. This is such a great post, Julie. I am glad you’re finding purpose in action… I can very much relate to this because I feel like if I sit still for too long, I am going to spin in circles.
J
Thanks San, I did a search through my spam and somehow your comment ended up there. No idea why.
Anne
This is a very helpful reminder to me to STOP the doomscrolling (Engie tells me this on a regular basis) and focus on action. The challenge is that, with all I’ve had going on, I have not been able to be very active. That said, I did as all the postcards told me and voted. 😉 (I vote in every election that I can, of course.) I kept hoping that one of my postcards would be from you. Alas, none were, at least not that I could tell!
I hope to take more action to move away from the Times headlines and more to in-depth analysis (Heather Cox Richardson, Ezra Klein, etc.). Thank you for reminding me that I do still have a choice in how I spend my time. <3
J
Thank you for Voting! Thank you Wisconsin!!!!
I would have noticed if I sent you a postcard, so no, you didn’t get one from me…