When I feel particularly consumed by an idea – if it’s a complaint or a pain point. It can sometimes be a topic in the news media or sometimes it’s much closer to home. When I’m feeling hyper-fixated on anything it helps to remember that I have the power to control the focus of my mental energy. I can choose to get really deeply entrenched in or project or an idea. Or I can zoom out, like a camera lens, for the big picture. Remembering that I control the focus reminds me that I do have some power and control in difficult situations.

It’s easy to get drawn in by headlines and social media. It’s also easy to become super focused on correcting what we perceive to be a wrong or injustice. And while these topics are worthy of our attention, they are not worthy of ALL of our focus. While we are doing social justice work, or creative problem solving, it can be impactful on our mental and physical bodies. We carry our trauma. Scientific research has shown we carry not just our own traumas but also the trauma of our ancestors with us in our DNA. Carrying that burden can get overwhelming if we don’t stop to rest. One way we do that is remembering that this particular situation is not the only one happening in our lives or in the world. 

It’s important to get involved when you’re coming from a place a health and wellbeing. However, if you notice that you’re feeling like a situation is consuming you, zoom out to the bigger picture. It doesn’t hurt to allow yourself to take a walk outside. Notice the crunch of leaves underfoot, the wind on your skin, and gentle kiss of sunlight. After you’ve spent 20 minutes outside you can come back to where you were. But chances are you will have a fresh perspective. 

Likewise, if you feel as if the big picture is too overwhelming. A news cycle that runs twenty-four seven can wear us all down from time to time. When that happens zoom in, realign your focus to your own breath, your own energy, is your heart rate up? Practice some box breathing to get out of the swirling thoughts and back into your own body. This simple exercise can really shift your biological response to stress and remind you that while there are things out in the world you’d like to change, here in your body you are safe and well. 

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