By Kimine Mayuzumi
At Being Lazy and Slowing Down, we often talk about creating space – for rest, for reflection, for remembering what matters. But what happens when the world feels anything but spacious? When news headlines feel like they’re closing in, and being informed feels necessary but overwhelming?
This post grew out of a question someone asked during a recent webinar that I was delivering. It stopped me in my tracks… and felt important enough to ponder and write about. I hope these reflections offer you some grounding, too.
Towards the end of the webinar, one attendee asked a question that’s lingered in my mind ever since:
“The current academic context is chaotic right now amidst new federal policies. How do you balance the need to stay informed (like watching the news) with keeping empty space for grounding?”
That question cuts straight to something many of us are wrestling with – especially in higher education. Even if you’re not in a formal leadership role, you’ve likely felt the growing heaviness, fear, and urgency in the air.
In recent months and weeks, the headlines have been sharp and unsettling:
- Federal threats to slash higher-ed funding
- Deportation and visa restrictions of international scholars and students under unjust pretenses
- Attacks on academic freedom disguised as policy shifts
Each headline feels like a gut punch.
This isn’t abstract. It’s personal. Many of us are in direct relationship with those most impacted – students, colleagues, and communities. The impact is immediate and deeply embodied.
It’s no surprise so many of us feel stuck in a reactive fight-or-flight mode.
I’ve felt it too. The moment I saw the headlines, my body tensed. My breath shortened. My thoughts scattered. Staying informed felt both necessary and overwhelming.
So how do we hold both?
If you’re in a moment where the fight-or-flight response is necessary for immediate action or protection, some of these reflections may not apply just yet. But if you’re searching for ways to stay informed without losing your grounding, here are seven practices I return to, especially when the news hits too close.
7 practices for staying informed while staying grounded
1. Don’t jump in unprepared.
Before opening a news app or clicking a headline, pause. Ask:
- Is this a good time to look at the news?
- Am I grounded enough to take this in?
Notice what your body says.
Resource: Towards a healthier relationship with online activities: 5 useful tips for using technology
2. Designate when and where.
Instead of checking the news every time you touch your phone, set clear boundaries. Choose a specific time and place to engage – and avoid doing so first thing in the morning or right before bed. Your sleep is too precious to lose.
3. Review your online habits with care.
Notice when, how, and why you turn to news or social media. Is it out of habit, anxiety, or a sense of needing control? Gently observing your behavior can open space for intention instead of reactivity.
Resource: How can I change my habits?: Here is a resource sheet
4. Ground yourself beforehand.
If you choose to engage with the news, take a deep breath first. Even ten seconds can help your nervous system reset and remind your body that you’re safe in this moment.
5. Let the feelings move.
When the news feels painful, frightening, or infuriating, let yourself feel it. Cry. Journal. Talk to someone. Don’t carry it alone or push it down.
6. Reach out.
Please remember that you are not alone. Even a brief exchange with a like-minded friend, colleague, or neighbor can help bring you back to center. We need each other.
7. Balance input with restorative activity.
After engaging with hard news, follow it with something that nourishes you – a walk, music, movement, or a favorite dish. That deliberate shift helps you recalibrate and remember your anchor.
In times like these, slowing down isn’t about disengaging. It’s about holding what’s happening without losing yourself in it, though it may not be easy. It’s about being present to the moment and protecting your inner rhythm.
If this resonates, you’re not alone. We’re finding our way…together.
Image credit: Kento Higashimura