10 November 2023

Episode 292: How to Deal with Stress Caused by The Hamas-Israeli War

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Mindset4 steps

Creation Against Destruction

Turn overwhelming emotion into something tangible you can create

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Insights & moments

The myth-busts, hot takes, explainers, and tools worth keeping.

Tool· 2

Tool11:00

Use Phone Timers to Stop Crisis Scrolling

Jen describes late-night information checking as a rabbit hole that can consume hours and leave the brain too activated to sleep. She recommends deliberate phone boundaries and timers to protect sleep, mood, and the ability to return to ordinary responsibilities.

Unbounded information checking can consume hours
Late-night scrolling keeps the brain activated
Timers create a conscious stopping point
Boundaries can support sleep and productivity

“I have to make a mental and conscious effort to get off of my phone because it is a total Rabbit Hole”
Jen · 11:00

“making conscious efforts to create timers where you could be on your phone and and and spending your time doing those things like timing like…”
Jen · 11:30

#phone use#sleep#boundaries#focus

Tool12:30

Group Walks Stack Community, Movement, and Fresh Air

A weekly group walk combines several low-friction stress supports in one activity. It creates regular social contact while adding movement, outdoor time, and a change of environment without requiring a demanding workout.

Schedule a recurring walk with friends or family
Combine social connection with physical movement
Use fresh air and a changed environment to support mood
Keep the activity accessible during stressful periods

“if that's too much for you right now just take a walk outside get some fresh air change your environment change your mood makes so…”
Jen · 13:00

“they get a group of friends together once a week and they go on these like group walks and like that way you can you…”
Jen · 13:30

#walking#community#nature#stress

Takeaway· 3

Takeaway06:30

Authenticity Can Reveal Who Your Real People Are

Jen argues that repeatedly speaking and acting with authenticity naturally changes a person's social circle. Misaligned relationships may fall away, while people with similar values become easier to find and connect with.

Authentic expression acts as a social filter
Shared core values can create stronger relationships
Losing peripheral connections can make room for more aligned ones

“you end up like gravitating to people who are super like-minded to you when you are really authentic”
Jen · 07:00

“when you act in purpose and you act in authentic authenticity and you do that over and over and over again you will meet people…”
Jen · 07:30

#authenticity#relationships#community

Takeaway08:00

Community Can Lower the Emotional Load of a Crisis

The hosts identify genuine community as a primary form of stress management during a crisis. Time with people who share your concerns can restore belonging and unity when conventional self-care feels disconnected from the moment.

Belonging can matter more than conventional self-care during crisis
Spend time with people you like, love, and respect
Shared concern can reduce isolation

“my first tip for uh Stress Management is really forming Community like real Community with people that you really like and love and respect and…”
Jen · 08:00

“that feeling of belonging and unity is the most important thing”
Shaie · 08:30

#community#belonging#stress

Takeaway09:30

Restore Movement Before Demanding a Full Workout

Jen recommends putting movement back into a disrupted routine because it can shift mood and improve presence. The minimum viable version is simply walking and getting fresh air rather than forcing an intense workout.

Movement can change mood and presence
Restart with walking when exercise feels too demanding
Reintroduce the routine instead of waiting for motivation

“it really does help shift and change your mood and your ability to kind of be present”
Jen · 10:00

“if you have kind of let that piece of your routine go like not exercising not moving add it back in even if it's just…”
Jen · 10:00

#movement#exercise#mood