Who Am I to Blow Against the Wind: How to Put Down the Stress of a World We Can’t Control
It’s hard to go a single day without hearing troubling news, the decline of the rhino population, damage to the Great Barrier Reef, famine, and a zoo of other things I don’t even care to list. These realities matter deeply, yet most lie far beyond what we can control. While caring about the world is a sign of empathy and responsibility, carrying the weight of societal issues can leave us feeling distressed, paralyzed, or even hopeless..
While we can’t eliminate the sources of these global challenges, and we certainly should not turn a blind eye to them, we can change how we carry them.
Self-Care in the Face of a World’s Worth of Stress
Understand and Own Your Limits
It’s important to recognize what is and isn’t within your control. You can’t stop wars or end a drought, but you can choose how you respond to the stress those realities create. Giving yourself permission not to carry the entire weight of the world isn’t selfish, it’s essential if you want to remain healthy and capable of contributing to solutions. Of course, that’s easier said than done. The work begins by noticing your distress and acknowledging it as a normal response to an overwhelming burden.
Stay Informed in a Healthy Way
Staying informed is important, but constant exposure to distressing news, or doomscrolling, can intensify feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.
Consider holding yourself accountable to time limits on news and media sites. It will feel uncomfortable to step out of “the loop” or put your phone aside, but honestly, staying constantly connected now is already uncomfortable. Could it be worth experimenting with a different kind of discomfort, one that might actually feel lighter, calmer, or even freeing?
Choose balanced sources of information. Remember, many media outlets are interested in holding your attention and they do this through sparking fear and outrage. Ask yourself: is this news source genuinely informing me, or is it fueling my anxiety for the sake of profit? Cutting out the most sensational and charged sources of information can do a lot to change the picture for our stress.
Anchor Yourself in the Present
Stress about global issues often pulls us out of our real life and into the “what ifs” of the future. Insisting on staying in the here and now, through meaningful engagement with people and our environment, keeps our mind tethered to what it can control an what is certain. Developing habits that require our attention and involve decision making help to ground us in the here and now and quiet the endless “what-ifs”
Invest in What You Can Control
Even small actions can counter feelings of helplessness, and there are plenty of problems we can solve in our own backyard. Finding an initiative you can invest in can ease our distress and offer a compelling counter argument when the accusing voice in our head tries to make us feel guilty about the world’s problems.
Your individual choices may not solve global issues, but they contribute to the larger fabric of good and empower you to feel engaged rather than paralyzed.
Nurture Your Body and Mind
When stress builds, taking care of the fundamentals becomes essential, not optional. Some practices to keep in mind:
Movement: Regular exercise reduces stress hormones and boosts mood.
Rest: Prioritize good sleep hygiene and downtime.
Connection: Share your worries with trusted friends, family, or a counselor.
Spirituality or Meaning: Prayer, meditation, journaling, or time in nature can provide grounding and perspective.
Seek Support When Needed
If worry about world events begins to overwhelm your daily life, reaching out for professional support can make a significant difference. A counselor can help you find ways to process fear, set healthy boundaries with news exposure, and build resilience in the face of uncertainty.
A Final Thought
Caring deeply about the world is a strength. It reflects your compassion and sense of justice. But caring does not mean carrying the world’s burdens alone. By tending to your mental and emotional health, you strengthen your capacity to contribute meaningfully to the causes that matter to you.
Taking care of yourself is not a retreat from responsibility, it is preparation to live with hope, resilience, and courage in a complicated world.