What are folks doing to find balance right now? Like, I feel that it’s very important to stay informed but I’m finding it hard to not cross that line between staying informed and obsessing endlessly on the state of things. I feel like I’m being consumed entirely by this moment in history. - ThreadSky

erikarier.bsky.social • 14 days ago

What are folks doing to find balance right now? Like, I feel that it’s very important to stay informed but I’m finding it hard to not cross that line between staying informed and obsessing endlessly on the state of things. I feel like I’m being consumed entirely by this moment in history.

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watsonneith.bsky.social•14 days ago

I, um, I'm just being consumed. Pretty productive all the same but I can keep a feed up during work, so I do.

erikarier.bsky.social•14 days ago

That is exactly where I’m at, too.

penroseceramics.bsky.social•14 days ago

I’m consumed as well, I used the 5calls app today to call my reps, will keep doing that daily. Exercise helps me A LOT, cooking, a hot bath or shower, throwing pots, sculpting, anything involving cuddling animals, standing by a body of water, staring into the abyss.

erikarier.bsky.social•14 days ago

Weirdly I’m still being active and productive but my brain is just endlessly looping through this nonsense. If I stay busy I’m able to keep it at bay but the second I try to just relax it’s overwhelming.

erinoliviabryndis.bsky.social•14 days ago

That sounds so hard. I deal with unwanted thoughts too. I think it makes complete sense that you’d be consumed by current affairs because imo we are seeing our society collapse and that is incredibly terrifying.

erikarier.bsky.social•13 days ago

It really is terrifying.

foxtailfcs.com•14 days ago

Honestly, I LOVE the Feeds feature here. Same app, but if Discover starts feeling too Doomscrolly, switch to Pottery, or Gardening for a while. See the cool things people are making, cats, wildlife. Then when it feels better, get up and DO something like hike, read a physical book, make my own pots.

erikarier.bsky.social•14 days ago

Weirdly, I’m still reading books and making lots of work. I just feel a constant nagging need to check in to see what is happening. As soon as the rain settles down here I’m definitely going to try and get outside for sure!

foxtailfcs.com•14 days ago

A little rain never hurt anyone! A little drizzle and mist can actually be really refreshing.

erikarier.bsky.social•14 days ago

I love drizzle! Unfortunately at my house it’s been a pretty heavy rain yesterday and today. Once the atmospheric river passes though and we’re back to drizzle that’s definitely my favorite weather for a walk.

hrh-the-cat.bsky.social•14 days ago

Totally agreed. One of my strategies is limiting social media. The algorithms create feedback loops which contribute to a feeling of overwhelm. I’ve discovered that if it’s big news, it will trend on search engines. It’s hard, but avoiding the overwhelm gives us our best chance at helping.

erikarier.bsky.social•14 days ago

Yeah, I think the tricky thing for me is that my livelihood is so tied to social media. The less time I spend on it for my work, the less sales I see. I think that’s what’s contributing to the overwhelm for sure.

hrh-the-cat.bsky.social•14 days ago

Understandable, that’s a tough position to be in. I have friends who are in bands and haven’t quit fb for the same kind of reasons. Baring that, it helps me to remember that nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something. Even small things can make a difference when everyone does them.

erikarier.bsky.social•13 days ago

I’m definitely quitting Instagram, I haven’t been on Facebook for years but building an entirely new following on this platform is taking a lot of my mental energy and requiring a lot of time spent on this platform. So in that way it’s very hard to take a break from social media.

hrh-the-cat.bsky.social•13 days ago

I have one foot out the door on IG myself but totally quitting is hard. Not everyone is on here and starting over is a headache. It sucks that so many artists and small businesses have to rely on social media, which can change their core values with no warning. I love your art and wish you the best.

erikarier.bsky.social•13 days ago

Thank you❤️

lilsboobthangs.bsky.social•14 days ago

Playing video games tbh 😅😅

erikarier.bsky.social•14 days ago

Yes, I definitely tried that for a few days too 🫠

idaolson.bsky.social•14 days ago

Making a lot of mugs and listening to music instead of news or podcasts. It’s hard to avoid being informed because even if I don’t check the news, my friends and family tell me everything.

erikarier.bsky.social•14 days ago

Yeah, I stopped listening to news ages ago and it was one of the best decisions of my life. I often feel like I’m the person people come to when they want to understand what’s going on though, so I don’t always feel like someone is going to keep me up to date.

lysannelarose.bsky.social•14 days ago

I feel the same. I did manage to pull away from social media today; I began my day with a workout; fixed a few things around the house; worked on some of my sculptures; planned a kiln firing tomorrow; and ate healthy. I also muted some names/words on BSky for a week because of the overwhelm.

janaclinardharris.bsky.social•14 days ago

YES

janaclinardharris.bsky.social•14 days ago

I'm feeling very much the same Erika. I don't think it's right to ignore it all, or bury our heads and let others man the fight. But my anxiety and health is truly suffering. I don't have the answers.

janaclinardharris.bsky.social•14 days ago

I do think as artists, we can influence through our art, whether it through activism, distraction, or reminding others that the world can still hold beauty.

janaclinardharris.bsky.social•14 days ago

I have made the decision to stay on IG for now, because my art community there and the connections I've made are too important to my well being. Hugs to you, and I adore your pieces❤️

erikarier.bsky.social•14 days ago

I’m definitely so thankful for my art practice, both as a way to stay focused on something else and for processing the present moment for myself and others.

janaclinardharris.bsky.social•14 days ago

I feel the same, Erika🫶

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