Hi friends, if you’re a human alive on this Earth, you know about the unspeakable horrors happening in Israel and Gaza. It’s too much for the soul to bear. The endless carnage, the mothers weeping, the animals looking for their humans in the rubble (the ones that made it)? Too much. I read somewhere that seeing the suffering of others and feeling hopeless about it for a sustained period of time can cause Empathic Distress. Is that why I’ve had a headache and a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach for the last 3 days? Probably, or maybe it’s the junk food I’ve been stress-eating while doom-scrolling.
I think caring about the world around us is important, but taking time to care for ourselves in the midst of it is important, too.
I’ve been doing some things to break up the despair, and it’s helped me. Maybe you’ll enjoy them too? Here are the Top 5 Emotional Buoys that are keeping my head above water this week.
1. Bandsplain
Nothing makes this girl happier than a deep dive. And a deep dive into her all-time favorite bands? Pure joy. A friend of mine recommended this podcast to me when The Cure’s episode came out, and I listened to all 7.5 hours of it with glee. That’s right. A two-parter coming in at a little less than a full work day. The premise is simple: the host, Yasi Salek, a former music journalist and full-blown music enthusiast (with the only vocal fry I’ve ever grown to love,) invites a true fan of the band —with some music cred under their belt— on the show to discuss the band’s entire existence as they go through their discography chronologically. It’s funny, it’s heartfelt, it’s informative AF, and if you LOVE music and music nerdery as much as I do, it’s the perfect way to disassociate for a while. Highly recommend listening while going for a long ass walk with your favorite iced beverage in tow.
Some of my favorite episodes include: The Cure (obvs), The Smiths, Depeche Mode, Radiohead, and The Singles Soundtrack.
2. Baking Bad
Full disclosure - I’m a horrible baker. I can cook my ass off, but I do not have a “flour finger” (or whatever the baking equivalent of a green thumb is). I can follow a recipe, but it will still come out slightly off. I threw caution to the wind this week and tried this pumpkin tres leches recipe, which I saw on Instagram and actively drooled. It uses boxed cake and should be foolproof, but alas, I think I messed up somewhere because mine came out a little “squiggy” more like a bread pudding than cake; however, it’s still absolutely delicious (fun fact: I love bread pudding) 11/10 would recommend it because even if you fuck it up like I did, chances are it’s still gonna slap. So make something delicious and eat your feelings because honestly, why not?
3. Silly Little Walks
Probably the most cliche thing in the world to prescribe for sad times and sour moods, but I swear it helps. Something about getting out and about and moving your body, even gently, breathing in some fresh air, and listening to some of your favorite tunes (or podcasts) really has the power to transcend. Luckily, I live in the greatest walking city in the world, where every walk has the potential to be life-changing, even in the smallest of ways. It’s also a good way to get you off your phone and into the world, which we all could use a little more of.
4. Great British Bake Off
Whether you like baking or not, this show is pure serotonin. There’s something about a British accent and the adorable cast of each season’s bakers that puts an instant smile on my face. Cake week? A blast. Bread week? A nail-biter. I’ve cried tears of joy watching this show by witnessing the unmitigated elation on someone’s face after getting the much sought-after handshake from judge Paul Hollywood for a job well done. It’s simple and uncomplicated, and I look forward to each new episode like a kid does Christmas morning.
5. Make a Playlist
Some people crochet or read a book to relax; I like to make playlists and then use an AI image generator like Midjourney to create the playlist cover. I will spend HOURS on this. If only someone would pay me for this service (consider this me manifesting a lucrative career in the art of playlisting). Ever since I was making mixed tapes off the radio, I’d create covers out of magazine cutouts or images I’d print off the internet during the days of dial up. Control freak much? Yes. It’s always been therapeutic for me to create the perfect playlist, a hobby I still enjoy to this day. This week, I made one that would catapult me back to a simpler time. Back to 1994 when I was a 16-year-old girl living in Miami and clubbing on South Beach with my two best girlfriends, those were the days…If you’d like to check it out, put on some headphones, click this link, and get ready to D A N C E, bb.
And so, my darling humans, that’s it for now. I hope one or some of these things can bring you a little joy, a little respite from the sorrow. Until next time. Sending hugs.
Love,
Me.