As a mother, I know firsthand how overwhelming life can be—taking care of family matters, personal and professional goals, and staying on top of the day-to-day issues that arise in every family. Add the constant barrage of news, social media updates, and the seemingly endless cycle of “OMG moments,” and it is easy to feel like we are drowning. But here is the truth: this feeling of being overwhelmed is not accidental; it’s intentional. It is designed to wear us down, divide us, and strip away the energy we need to fight for what matters most. That’s why I say repeatedly: to resist burnout we must take strategic breaks from social media and mainstream media (MSM).
I am speaking to you as someone who has felt the weight of it all: the pressure to stay informed, the guilt of stepping away even for a moment, and the nagging fear of missing out on something critical. But I have learned a vital lesson lately: You cannot pour from an empty cup. If we do not take care of ourselves, if we don’t protect our mental health and preserve our passion, then we won’t be able to show up for our families, our businesses, or the causes we care about.
Social media is a double-edged sword. It connects us, informs us, and empowers us, but it also drains us. The algorithms are designed to keep us hooked, feeding us outrage and despair in bite-sized pieces until we are too physically and mentally exhausted to think critically or to act decisively. That is why I urge you to take social media breaks. Take social media off your phone. Yes, you heard me—delete the apps. You can still check in from your computer when needed, but removing that constant temptation to see what you know who is doing will free up mental space you did not even realize you were losing.
And American Main Stream Media? Don’t even get me started with that one. The relentless 24-hour news cycle is no better. It thrives on sensationalism, pushing narratives that keep us glued to televisions yet leaving us feeling helpless and hopeless. Instead of relying solely on American news outlets, try reading news from other countries. Sources like CBC (Canada), The Guardian (UK), and The Irish Times (Ireland) have been my go-to since the election. And I am finding new sources every day. It is amazing how “not great” the rest of the world feels about the United States right now. However, finding new news sources will help you gain fresh perspectives and often find less biased reporting on issues that matter.
But taking breaks is not just about unplugging, it’s about recharging. Use this time to journal, meditate, or pray, whatever helps you to center yourself and reconnect with your purpose. For me, journaling has been a vital lifeline. I started daily journaling back in 2017, where I processed my thoughts, clarified my values, and reminded myself why I was in this fight in the first place. Meditation helps me quiet the noise and find peace amid the chaos. Prayer gives me hope and reminds me that I am not alone in this fight.
Remember: life is not a sprint; it is a marathon. We are facing unprecedented challenges that will take years to overcome, not days or weeks. To withstand the next four years (or more) of this nonsense, we need stamina, and that stamina comes from balance. Taking breaks is not a weakness. On the contrary, it is a strategy, and it is how we stay strong enough to keep showing up for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
So here is my challenge to you: step back when you need to. Protect your energy like it is your most valuable resource because it absolutely is. You are not just a mom, a wife, or an entrepreneur; you are a fighter in the resistance. And fighters know when to rest so they can come back stronger.
We’ve got this—together.
