By Sally Pyne
The last few weeks have been difficult for all of us. As we are reeling from images of two hurricanes, we learn of a heart-breaking local murder-suicide, then to wake up to the latest news of a massacre in Las Vegas, a location many of us have frequented.
As you go through your day you find yourself discussing and contemplating, grieving and worrying and offering assistance as you can, and comfort where you may. I’ve found many people telling me they are worried, angry, upset, unsettled and exhausted from all the disturbing news that seems to plummet us daily.
When will we get a break? I offer this to you-take a break from it.
I am not saying you should act as through these things didn’t happen, that they don’t exist and that the consequences don’t persist. I just know that your life needs balance. You must limit the images on television, the search for more information explaining “why,” and find some peace and uncover joy in your own life.
Perhaps you know what brings you joy and peaceful feelings: a walk in nature, silent prayer, reading a good book, meditation, yoga, having a movie night, volunteer to help someone else…we are all different.
Getting away may be something you hadn’t though of. Perhaps you are not in a position for a long vacation, but even a day or two can make a difference in your mental health and find some balance to all the overwhelming news we are subjected to.
People often remark to me that I seem to go a lot now that I am retired, and I am blessed to be able to travel to Chicago often for games, shows and to visit our oldest daughter and help in her fifth grade classroom. These breaks can make a difference in your outlook as well as provide relief to getting too bogged down in routine.
I read an article recently that provides these tips, and as someone who heeds the advice of a “Mindful Getaway,” I would have to agree: 1) Unplug from your devices-take a step back and practice being in the moment of your current surroundings. 2) Plan with a purpose-find a show, see a game, add an event to your destination. Since we live just a few hours from Chicago, St. Louis & Indianapolis, this should be easy to arrange. 3) Pack light-simplify and be realistic. The easier you can move through your trip, the better. 4) Make your meals count-you don’t have to be a “foodie” to enjoy the favorite local pizza, or find the perfect scone on your trip. 5) Leave some “down time”-there is no need to plan out every minute. You need some time to just relax. Order room service, watch Lifetime movies, organize your toiletry bag if that will bring you some element of joy.
So, tear yourself away from the news of the day to provide some balance in your life. Your health needs it, your mind needs it. We all need to breathe, smile at each other, slow down your car, pray for patience and find some inner peace in these troubling times.
Dr. Sally Pyne is a lifelong resident of Normal. She is a retired educator and served both Illinois State University and Lincoln College Normal. Her husband Ed owns the Normalite newspaper as well as seven other weeklies in McLean County.
The opinions expressed within WJBC’s Voices are solely those of the Voices’ author, and are not necessarily those of WJBC or Cumulus Media, Inc.
