Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Election Day and Distractions by Karen Whiddon

 Since I blog on the 3rd of every month, as luck would have it, my November blog falls on Election Day.

At the time of this writing, I have no idea who's ahead, or what's happening, but since I'm sure there will be a media blitz on that day, I'm not going to even touch on that topic.

Instead, I'm going to write about distractions to help keep your sanity.  There's so much going on right now - Covid-19, the election, the fierce arguing of both sides, that's it's often difficult to find focus.  Hah! Sometimes it's difficult to drag myself out of bed in the mornings.

Things I do most days to help:

    I walk every day.  If nice, I walk outside.  If not, I walk on the treadmill.  I enjoy walking and sometimes I even break into a light jog.  I prefer fresh air and sunshine, but I have to get my exercise.

    I workout.  For awhile, I was doing this 6 days a week, then I settled on 4-5.  I enjoy weightlifting and love the changes I see in my body.

    I write 5 days a week.  I treat my writing like the job it is.  I have designated writing times Monday through Friday, and I stick to them.  During all this insanity, I've lowered my word count to a manageable 1000 words a day (usually I do twice that.)  I can do that.  Anyone can do that.  And it keeps me from getting upset with myself when I don't find the words.



    I cook a lot.  I enjoy cooking.  But not every single day.  So I tend to make a big batch of something so that we can eat it more than one night.  I made lasagna last time.  That and a green salad are comfort food for me.

    I talk to friends.  Whether texting or on social media, or Zoom or a Facebook chatroom, keeping in touch with others really helps.  I also have friends on both ends of the political spectrum, so I appreciate it when we can interact without talking about politics.  

    I read.  I have numerous books loaded on my Kindle, just waiting for me to read them.  I try to read a little bit each day.  I don't always make it, but I try.

    Pets rock!  I adore my fur kids and it's great spending so much time with them.  

That's all I can come up with for now.  I'm sure you're off watching election results anyway.  See you next time!


13 comments:

  1. Thank you, Karen, for reminding us about what we can do besides listen to the election or state of the world. Sometimes it's hard to remember there's other energy out there we can tap into. Take care. See you on the other side of election day.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for this post. There are other things to do than worry about the election, and I will be doing them!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Karen, some very good suggestions, especially the one for writers to set a time for daily writing.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm staying off social media and anywhere they are talking about politics. Distractions are all good!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm with Kari, I haven't even turned on the T.V. and won't until much later. Mornings are precious writing time for me and exercise is my destresser.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Timely post, Karen. Thanks for the reminder to get back to exercise. I also do a little conscious relaxation and that helps still my racing mind.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great post, Karen. I've been making an effort to do the same. Like Nora said, I'm trying to tap into energy sources besides everything going on globally. I've found comfort lately in music from my past that takes me back to happier times.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm avoiding anything political. I voted, so I'm not avoiding reality, but I don't need speculation or negativity anytime. I wishes I liked exercise and could walk better. In the meantime, there are a lot of activities available when I have to force myself away from the computer.

    ReplyDelete
  9. All great suggestions, Karen! Writing and reading each day can be a struggle, yet it's so important. I walk as well, and I love spending time outside with our three dogs. Nothing like soaking up some Vitamin D with the puppers!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I can relate, nice read your reassuring post. Hope everyone is taking good care, and staying safe!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I simply don't listen to all the crap on TV. When the political mud-slinging comes on, I hit the MUTE button. I rarely listen to the news these days. Just too full of negativity. I focus on the same things you do, Karen. Home, cooking, gardening, family, friends, writing, reading, and playing board games.

    ReplyDelete
  12. It sounds like what I do on most days, and they are contentment-building days. It's just been harder lately. :-( I enjoyed the post!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sounds like a wonderful collection of activities. I'm so excited that the indoor pool where I live and the pool at the Y have finally reopened. By appointment, which isn't always easy to get, but still it's such a relief.

    ReplyDelete

Due to the high volume of Spam comments, we are forced to install Comment Moderation and Word Verification. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.