My post about media turned into a ramble, so I will return to where the post started --
For those suffering, seriously, take a break from the news. This is something I've aspired to and finally pulled the trigger. This article just from yesterday is so on point -- https://zora.medium.com/10-days-without-media-changed-my-life-86f6f951ab36
My mental health has suffered quite a bit this year. My own godfather, 61, died of the virus in March. My mom had cancer diagnosis in April. Visiting her for her multiple surgeries in June and July was next to impossible due to restrictions. My wife has had a miscarriage in September.
This year has fucking sucked.
I don't think you have any idea how much paying attention to the news, on a daily basis, can be toxic for your brain. I was going to bed thinking about COVID, about SCOTUS, about all of it. I unplugged. I knew I was voting for Biden months (if not years ago) -- why bother paying attention to it anymore?
It is impossible for me to describe the mental clarity I have had in just two weeks. I traded in car and saved $5,000. I formulated my plan to pay off student loans by next year. I have gotten more done at work than the previous month. And now I have no work today, which is why I've been on MMM for two hours.
I've read 8 or 9 books:
Deep Work by Cal Newport
The Freedom Manifesto by Tom Hodgkinson
The Shallows by Nicholas Carr
Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Set for Life by Scott Trench
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
All in about three weeks.
I am not "ignoring" COVID. I know it's out there. Read my post. I am doing my part. But knowing there's a surge in Wisconsin, daily updates about vaccines, on and on and on -- what good does it do me? The only thing I can do is wear my mask, be extremely considerate of those at risk, and try to go about my life while balancing the risks. I work in city government so I am aware of the local developments. I don't need to read the New York Times.
My point is that if you are down, perhaps unplug. It was good for me and it might be good for you. I tried it and my life looks better, even in these dark times. If that's patronizing then I'm sorry.