1A Best Of: Finding Agency In Chaos
Dec 31, 2025
Join Margaret Renkl, an opinion columnist and nature enthusiast, Dr. Pooja Lakshman, a psychiatrist focused on self-efficacy, and Sam Green, a trans justice organizer with the ACLU, as they explore finding agency in chaotic times. They discuss how small daily choices can restore meaning, the importance of nature in maintaining mental health, and the power of community organizing. From practical mental health strategies to creating joyful spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, their insights inspire proactive engagement amidst uncertainty.
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Agency As Self‑Efficacy
- Agency links closely to self-efficacy: believing small actions can produce meaningful change.
- Focusing attention on solvable tasks restores meaning during chaotic times.
Set News Guardrails
- Put guardrails on news consumption: avoid headlines at night and first thing in the morning.
- Stay informed without letting alerts or darkness amplify anxiety.
Schedule Local Connection
- Build predictable local social ties by scheduling regular meetups like weekly walks or monthly potlucks.
- Bound your news intake so you're present and can act on what you learn.