Canada, Health/Wellness, Link Ups, Reflection

Wellness Reimagined: Maintaining Balance in Turbulent Times

Retirement Reflections

Over the past couple of months, I’ve been trying to stay informed about attacks on our country’s sovereignty and the responses of our political leaders—without letting stress, exhaustion, or constant anger take over. At the same time, I have tried to avoid the opposite extreme of shutting down entirely. This has been no easy balancing act. Here are a few actions that have helped me personally to manage overwhelm during this politically turbulent time.

Spotting the Warning Signs

Increased muscle tension, fatigue, irritability, and recurring minor infections—at first, I ignored these signs. When I recognized them as symptoms of stress, I realized that the constant stream of political news was likely a key culprit. At that point, I began to look for ways to stay informed without sacrificing my well-being.

Smart News Habits – Breaking Free from Doomscroolling


I went from someone who never discussed politics publicly to someone consumed by it. It didn’t help that my husband frequently has the news playing on repeat in our open-concept space. To regain balance, I took deliberate steps, limiting the overall amount of news that I consumed. I aimed to follow ‘gold standard’ sources that were reliable, politically neutral and focused on fact over (sensationalized) opinion. I also restricted my news intake to specific times of the day (e.g., never before bedtime).

Each evening, I escaped into a short novella. This practice helped relax my mind and body before sleep and provided a sense of completion when so much else felt in flux.

Small Actions, Big Impact

None of us are powerless. Each of our small, mindful actions can add up to making a big difference, especially when we stand united.

In response to recent political turmoil, a strong grassroots movement in Canada has encouraged buying Canadian products whenever possible. I have embraced this mission, adapting recipes to focus on locally grown produce and cancelling longstanding accounts with large American companies.

Each of us has a ‘town hall,’ which includes our social media accounts and networks. This was a bigger leap for me, but I have embraced it. I believe that being informed, validating our news sources, fact-checking, and taking whatever actions we can will move us forward. As a result, I have actively advocated for these principles on my social media platforms. A wonderful silver lining is that, through this, I have reconnected with many people I had lost contact with over the years.

Additionally, Richard and I have contacted our elected representative, who has personally returned our calls. Most importantly, we’ll be voting on April 28.

The Power of Community

Political tension and differences can exacerbate loneliness. Increasingly, researchers claim that this sense of isolation is as detrimental as smoking 12 cigarettes a day. I’m grateful for friends I can meet up with regularly—for walks, book clubs, happy hours, or just to hang out.

As I mentioned above, some friends with whom I had minimal contact over the last few years have reached out to share solidarity over tensions in Canada. This, in turn, has reminded me to reach out to others who may appreciate a friendly hello or a listening ear.

Healthy Fuel

A tired me is a cranky me (as is a hungry one). I have focused on getting 8+ hours of sleep each night, keeping up with daily exercise, and continuing to eat healthily while keeping ultra-processed foods out of my diet.

This focus has helped keep my body and mind healthy, given me a sense of accomplishment, and offered a welcome distraction from politics. And on the days when I didn’t completely follow through? I gave myself grace!


Joy Amid Chaos

I saw this post on Facebook, which was a powerful reminder of the important things in life. Interestingly, Richard also saw it on his feed (we usually have very different FB algorithms). Unaware that I had already included it in my draft, he showed it to me and noted that we were actively engaged in all but one item on the list.

Neither of us is a napper, at least not currently. If the truth be told, I’m not much of a slow morning gal (though I’m definitely a slow-evening one). However, Richard loves his ‘hurkle-durkle’ time before emerging from bed, so perhaps I benefit from this through osmosis.

Final Thoughts

My first step in managing the stress of our current times was acknowledging that I can’t do everything I want to in each of these categories. But I can do something, and that knowledge, above all else, has strengthened my resilience.

When I woke this morning (and this post was already scheduled), I saw this piece from Robert Reich (professor, political commentator, and former United States Secretary of Labour) in my inbox. Although more articulate and concise, his message was the same as I have written here. It feels good knowing that we are not alone.

How have you kept yourself balanced in turbulent times? I would love to discover any tips you have and add them to my repertoire. My cohosts and I invite you to join us in sharing what wellness has looked like for you this past month.

We look forward to seeing you here!

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Black and White

Why the black-and-white post? Although I have been focussing on maintaining balance and positivity, the grey surrounding us remains ever-present. This strengthens my resolve to stand together with like minds and do all we can to lift the darkness

Acknowledgements


• Feature Photo – Unsplash.
• Desire to Be Well Informed cartoon – David Sipress, Cartoonist for The New Yorker.
• I Had to Stop Watching cartoon – David Sipress, Cartoonist for The New Yorker.
• Made in Canada – Facebook Group helping people to source Canadian products.
• The Real Luxuries Image – Learning Petals Facebook Group which emphasizes positive behaviours.

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Published by Retirement Reflections

Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.

98 thoughts on “Wellness Reimagined: Maintaining Balance in Turbulent Times”

  1. Hi Donna, I wrote a comment but it didn’t save for some reason. We are certainly living in turbulant times and now more than ever we need easy ways to reduce the strength and anxiety. You’ve provided some good advice in your #WellnessReimagined post and thanks for being such a wise co-host. Take care x

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    1. Hi, Sue – Thank you so much for commenting twice. I’m sorry that you had to do that. Sometimes, I swear that WordPress just doesn’t like me. 😦 Thank you for initiating the Wellness ReImagined Series. It is an awesome tool to allow us all to pause and reflect which seems more important now than ever! ❤

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  2. The gret surrounding us remains ever present. Sure does! We all cope in different ways. Mine is to watch, read, think, and write. I can’t turn away. Not my nature, but I sure do understand why other folks might need a different approach.

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  3. This will probably be the most ‘boring’ comment I’ll make all day. but > I agree with just about every sentence you have put down and shall not reiterate all you have said – just say ‘thank you’ ! I do follow developing news assiduously – always have – but somehow do not let it bother me however unbelievable and unacceptable most coming across the airwaves is. Perchance with a lot of the latter coming from across a very big Pond for me it is somewhat easier to do? Oh, our elections, which will be very close, are but a month away and they are compulsory – interestingly the hugely increasing successful independent candidates, especially professional women called the TEALS, are making a big difference.

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    1. Hi, Eha – Your comments are never, ever boring – especially this one. Good luck with your upcoming elections. Our Canadian elections are very close too both in date and in predicted results for the candidates (especially Liberal and Conservative). I’m trying to not let this keep me awake at night, but…..

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  5. Donna, Thanks….I needed this. Very timely, especially the cartoons. I must have humor and less broadcast news. I do much better reading the on line news sources. Less (somewhat) sensationalism. Haven’t watched the evening news on TV for a while now. Stay well. Tracey

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    1. Thank you for this comment, Tracey. More and more I am appreciating humour spread in with my consumption of politics. I’ve greatly been enjoying the cartoons and mimes of the penguins on Herd Island. We all desperately need the comic relief!

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  6. This post definitely speaks to me. I’ve been doom scrolling for sure and trying to stay abreast of it ALL and that’s a lot. But our own mental health is so crucial to maintain that I’ve had to figure out limits. And also in common, never really having been vocally political i too am pushing that envelope.
    My own tip. Severally limit time on apps on my phone and have no notifications other than texts. And a comedy after the news. Currently laughing at Ted Lasso.

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    1. Hi, Bernie – We are definitely on the same page here. It is a constant balancing act to stay informed, realize that there are things each of us can do (no matter how small) and act upon them, and ensure that we are all putting on our own oxygen masks. Comedy after the news is a great plan!

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      1. I have been doing lots of small action items, but it often feels like not enough. So I fight hard not to feel hopeless and stay engaged in living my best life.

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  8. Hi Donna – I figure we live in a world with so much access to information that it overloads our system and increases our anxiety. Case in point was the covid era where we were constantly bombarded with doom and gloom that caused a lot of people huge amounts of anxiety. Online content is focused on click bait and grabbing attention, so curating what you read will definitely help ease some of your pain.

    My aim these days is to focus on what I can have some influence over, and allow the rest to unfold as it will. Getting stressed about it does nothing in the grand scheme of things except ruin our calm and peace. So less doom scrolling and more kittens and puppies in your feed – that’s a surefire cure to add to all that you’ve already put into place. This too shall pass – there’s a lot of hot air and a lot of pot stirring out there that will come to nothing. xx

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    1. Hi, Leanne – You are right about online, click-bait articles. I try to avoid those at all costs.

      Unfortunately, threats to Canada’s sovereignty have gone far past hot air. The impact to our businesses and overall economy is already being felt – and jobs are already being lost.

      The grassroots movement of Buy Canadian is small but is making some impact in its own tiny way. It gives me hope that there are things that each of us can do that can and will make a difference.

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  9. What a timely post! It’s a struggle to stay focused and positive when it seems that Canada is under siege!

    I use various apps to try to support only Canadian-made products. I’m pleased that I find more and more produce in my local grocery store coming from Ontario, Mexico, Egypt and Morocco. These products fly off the shelves! Yesterday I saw piles of strawberries from the US left behind while smaller Ontario grown berries were snapped up.

    Unfortunately, I see very few products from BC. When Ontario cleared the California wine from liquor stores, the shelves were filled with European brands. I could find only one BC wine in the Liquor board store. We do need more interprovincial trade in our country!

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    1. Thank you so much for reading and following. I’ve just returned from your site — it is very impressive!

      That’s disappointing that you could only find one BC wine in your liquor board store. BC has numerous award winning wineries. I agree that we need more interprovincial trade and we need it fast.

      I am delighted to see the grassroots Buy Canadian movement continue so strongly across provinces. ❤

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  11. A very informative post with good advice, Donna! I only read the headlines. I’m still upset but not stressed out. My husband watches the news plus reading the WSJ so he would keep me informed.

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      2. Thanks, Miriam – If there was ever a time for Canadians to stay informed of the issues, and vote not only at the ballot box, but with our wallets and our own personal town halls, now is that time.

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  12. Hi Donna, this is a great way to look at the topic of Wellness, as it feeds into our daily lives in so many ways. We can’t ignore what’s going on in the world but your ideas on how to try and cope with it all are very wise. Thanks for continuing to keep us informed and for writing such a thoughtful and interesting post.

    We’ve started watching a comedy show before bed and we both feel more uplifted after all the doom and gloom of the news. Our elections are next month and there is so much rhetoric swirling around from here and overseas, it’s easy to just want to ignore it. But it won’t go away so we must stay on top of things in the best way that gets us through and as you say everyone is different as to how they do that! Great post!

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  13. Hi Donna, it has been an interesting experience for me reading posts such as yours and also many by frightened and disillusioned Americans. South Africa has gone through huge political and social upheaval since 1994. Initially there was a lot of violent crime and women, in particular, were very unsafe. A lot of people left during that period. Things here have gradually evolved into a sort of corrupt state of partial collapse with most government institutions dysfunctional due to mismanagement and corruption. Many people can’t leave for variety of reasons do they’ve had to just live with it. Many South Africans live with anxiety and stress all the time. It’s become a part of our lives. It has been astonishing to watch this same set of emotions impacting people in other countries. It’s made me realize that you actually can’t run from problems. You have to face them down on your own turf.

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    1. Thank you for this wise and thoughtful comment, Robbie. It’s hard to remember that only 10 weeks ago, Canada’s relationship with the US (our closest ally) was good and our economy on a whole was stable. It is incredible how things can change in a heartbeat.

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  14. When I’ve had turmoil in my life it has been both exercise and a good book that have saved me. As you know I’ve been reading your America/Canada posts with great interest. I have wondered how stressful the upheaval has been for you. I appreciate this post as it answers all my questions.

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    1. Exercise and good books are my mainstays. In the past two weeks alone, I have read 11 books (escapism, anyone?).
      Most Canadians that I know are definitely feeling the stress. Our upcoming election on April 28 is essential in setting which direction we go from here. I continually find myself helding my breath until then!

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  17. Excellent post. I (and many of my fellow citizens) wonder how on earth this happened. I stick mostly to local news. I’ll take “drive by shootings” over world chaos any day. I remember during the Nixon era how corrupt everything felt. Then one day, it was over. Hoping for something good to happen.

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    1. That sounds like a good plan, Derrick. CNN’s ratings have dropped recently and they are accused of skewing left (their web-based news only, not their broadcasts). So I always check other sources as well. But then again, Canada is much closer to the fire.

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  20. I welcome your posts, Donna. Always thought provoking. Managing stress is so important to our wellbeing. Dis-ease = disease. I’m a huge proponent of the psychosomatic connections. I ascribe to the real luxuries. And they truly are luxuries that not all people have the privilege of partaking in. I may not always nap but I do have quiet times. I say I am like a toddler – I need my rest & hunger managed to avoid meltdowns! Thankfully, I’m the only one witness to those. Hangry is a real word! This political turmoil has made me realize that I haven’t been paying enough attention to this country’s politics. The winners of Canada’s upcoming election will have their work cut out for them. I came across this recently (source unknown) – self-silence is an act of rebellion in a society that demands constant attention.

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    1. Thank you, Mona – I always appreciate your wise and well thought-out words. You are so right that many of the basic ‘luxuries’ that I reposted here are ‘luxuries’ denied to so many. Your quote about self-silence being an act of rebellion is very thought-provoking. This type of rebellion can take on many different forms including expressing our beliefs through impactful moments or actions, rather than through direct confrontation. 

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  22. You are being very level-headed and sensible, I do hope it helps your understandable anxiety. Trump is bad enough from across the Atlantic, it must be so much worse having him as a threatening neighbour. He is wilfully destroying his own country and doesn’t seem to understand what he is doing.

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  23. Donna, I read your post early this morning and thought ‘WoW!’ This lady is right on the button. You inspire me.

    I also restricted my news intake to specific times of the day (e.g., never before bedtime).

    NEVER before bedtime is excellent advice and a takeawy for me. I found myself doomscrolling just before lights out. Not intentionally but FB is lethal for sucking you in.

    Black and White

    Why the black-and-white post? Although I have been focussing on maintaining balance and positivity, the grey surrounding us remains ever-present. This strengthens my resolve to stand together with like minds and do all we can to lift the darkness

    ^^ This ^^

    and reading your positive post also strengthens mine.

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  24. Hi, Carole – Thank you for this feedback. It is very helpful to me. A mere three months ago, I never (ever) imagined that I would write any politcally-based posts whatsoever. It is frightening just how quickly things can change.

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  25. This is a wonderfully practical post, Donna. We have the same balance, where my husband follows the news constantly and I try to stay informed, but distanced. It’s like swimming upstream sometimes but there is comfort in knowing that others feel the same and that we are not as powerless as it might sometimes seem. Thanks for the suggestions xx

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  26. Great advice. We can only do what we can to keep ourselves sane. A little bit one way, a little bit another way, allowing all the small actions to add up to a sense of well-being. Balance is what I’m going for.

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  27. I try to limit my news consumption but it’s hard since I also want to be informed and prepared. The Hands Off marches in the US this Saturday were amazing and so empowering… we needed the emotional lift and visual assurance that we aren’t alone in our outrage. It was a joy to be among so many (12,000+ just in downtown San Diego). We just need to keep up the momentum.

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    1. Hi, Janis – Thank you for sending me the Hands Off photos. Like you, I am hopeful that the momentum keeps up and can make positive change.
      Thank you also for your email today. Richard had more to add but I stopped him there! ❤

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  28. This is possibly the most powerful (in a really good way) post you’ve written. I love that you’ve taken the imagery as far as completely black and white. I’m applauding from afar.

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  30. We keep balanced by reading a lot of philosophy and novels and started to collect books – first editions and signed copies.
    Most important, we realise that there have always been such crises in history and that they have been overcome.
    Thanks and cheers
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

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      1. It’s easy for me. As an author, I get from other authors signed copies, we exchange our books, and I get from a lot of international publishers their new releases (because they wanted to be quoted in my books).

        I love having a big private library and playing librarian like Borges.

        Keep wellKlausbernd 🙂

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      3. Don’t be envious, it is a lot of work to organise such a library. It’s nearly a full-time job. Kb loves it, but he works on average 3 hours daily in our library of 20.000 books. We try to keep our library up-to-date.
        We run free bookshelves for our community as well, where we donate books we sort out of our library or book-donations we get.

        But you see, it’s a hobby. We do it because we are book lovers.
        Kb has been in the book business all his life as an author, bookseller, editor and sponsoring books in talk shows. Now, he is retired but still loves books.

        All the best
        The Fab Four of Cley
        🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  31. It used to be that we lived in ignorant bliss before TV, the internet, and social media. We are bombarded every minute by negativity and uncertainty. I learned this firsthand during the pandemic. Now I only watch a bit of the local news. Spring weather has helped me of late and being outdoors is good for my soul. You are right, balance is the key for continued wellness, Donna.

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  32. Hi Donna, The last few months have definitely been challenging. Your initial cartoons speak volumes. You bring up great points. Chuck and I talk about the joys in our life each evening, to end the day on a positive note. And yes, ‘we are not alone’ and focusing on what we can do. xo 💕 Erica

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  34. With everything you do–reading, exercising, blogging, book clubs, etc, I’m hopeful that politics doesn’t interfere with your impressive list of activities. Your post tells me that you’re working hard to keep balance in the forefront. I don’t follow the news as much as I used to–American cable channels are so partisan, it’s difficult to sort out the truth, or hear “the rest of the story”. Thankfully, we’re getting a good dose of sports right now. Have a lovely weekend! Joe

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    1. Thanks, Joe – It is always lovely to hear from you. You are right that it is very difficult to sort out the truth in politics. We have a big Canadian election coming up (April 28) and it is being VERY influenced by what is happening in US politics. So I’m staying tuned in and informed as best as I can.
      I hope that all is well with you and Helen. ❤

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  35. This is a crazy time. I am so sorry to all Canadians over the crazy rhetoric and chaos the big47 is spouting towards our most beloved ally and neighbor. 😔

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  37. Hi Donna, I like your tip of escaping to a short novella in the evening. I’ve been taking similar actions to maintain balance, including day naps! I have not watched TV in years and have not been on social media Facebook, Instagram, etc. so have had less distractions in my life. The weather is getting nicer and it’s great to be outdoors with family, friends or solo. I’ll be casting my ballot on April 28. Happy Easter weekend to you and yours!

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  38. I’m a bit at a loss how to comfort my American friends who I’ve met and vacationed with in the past 2 yrs. I just continue to respond and participate in dialogue.

    Not to say in Canada, we have our own growing worries.

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  39. Isn’t this world a crazy, upside down mess everywhere you look? Like Richard, I can go a little overboard listening to the news on repeat which then makes the word ‘news’ an oxymoron. After hearing the news is it really news? I wish I could find a nonbiased “gold-standard” news platforms here in the U.S. Everyone has their own not-so-hidden agenda. And I find it very disturbing trying to sift through all the misinformation and contradictions to try to get at the truth. So the TV isn’t on news much any more around here.

    Love that you and Richard saw the same graphic and shared it with each other. I would agree that we are doing most of the things it suggests in order to stay sane and healthy but I still feel crazy and sick to my stomach many days.

    I have been working with Christie and that has helped me tremendously. Finally allowing myself some me-time and time to play. That is probably the best change in my life at present. We have both even become disillusioned with our church and have been skipping services. Think I will propose we do an Easter quiet time on our patio tomorrow.

    Sending you big hugs. You are certainly not alone in trying to remain/regain balance during this turbulent time.

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  40. It is great you have some ways of switching off from the world. It is quite strange times we live in, so much happening and impossible to keep up. I also reduce my news intake towards the end of the day when I am winding down. In these times I feel that we don’t always have to be switched on – we can take a moment for ourselves before we engage with the world again. And times like these we really are greatful for the people in our lives and the support we have.

    Really like the real luxuries image you shared. I like all those things and feel that those actions are what will bring us a sense of calm and fulfillment. I am a certainly a slow mornings and colourful sunsets person! Hope you have been well, Donna. Hugs to you 😊

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