Politics can be overwhelming. Trying to keep up with everything going on in your country and other world affairs can be an anxiety-inducing experience. Sometimes we have heartwarming headlines like “Taiwan Chose Love Today“, but it feels like recently, more often than not, we instead have heart-wrenching titles like “Explosions Fired Off At Ariana Grande Concert.” Here are some tips I’ve put together to try to help others who also feel reluctant to check in on current events, turn on the radio, or watch television.
- Look at both sides of the argument. Read up on both sides of the argument objectively. This allows you to understand both points of views without any sort of bias sneaking its way in. It’s important to understand the argument in its entirety and not refuse to understand an argument just because you generally disagree with let’s say a political party or organization. Who knows? Maybe you’ll learn something.
- Educate yourself. You don’t need your parents or a teacher to help you understand a situation. Google is your best friend. If you don’t understand an argument or pieces of it do some research. Your education is the most important thing you have.
- Decide where YOU stand. After understanding both the different arguments and the situation, it’s time to make your decision, based on whatever you personally agree with. You don’t have to agree with the majority or your friends or your parents. You are entitled to your own opinion, as long as it isn’t bigoted.
- Do what you can. If you can make a difference, by all means, do it. Call your local government officials and tell them to repeal a bill, go to protests, help out at volunteer events or donate to charities. If you can make the world a better place for everyone don’t hold back. Remember the power is in the people.
- Move on and accept things happen. Tragedies and disasters happen. They suck, but they happen. Sometimes, no matter how badly you want to do something to fix it or turn back time, you can’t. I know how it feels, but it really isn’t something to beat yourself up over. Often times we just have to accept that it is what it is and move on.
Though this list is short, I think it is sufficient. I hope it is useful to anyone who feels even the slightest amount of pressure in their chest when they think about checking the news. I’ve been there, done that, and don’t want others to feel that way.
