When geopolitics becomes local reality—when sanctions disrupt your grocery prices, or military presence looms in your neighborhood—mental stability becomes a daily act of resilience. Living at the intersection of international conflict and domestic life can fracture one’s sense of safety and identity. The first step to maintaining sanity is acknowledging that your response is normal. Fear, anxiety, anger, and confusion are all valid when your environment feels hijacked by distant powers.
Amidst such chaos, creating a routine becomes an act of rebellion and healing. Small, predictable rituals—morning tea, a daily walk, journaling—reassert a sense of control. These routines help the brain distinguish between real-time safety and perceived threat, giving the nervous system a chance to rest. They serve as anchors in an environment where everything else feels in flux.
Equally important is limiting the impact of external narratives. International powers will push their versions of the truth, often turning your neighborhood into a battleground of perspectives. Curate your information sources and take digital breaks. Reclaim your attention, because even when you can’t control global decisions, you can control your mind space.
Finally, lean on your community—not just for support, but for perspective. Shared meals, conversations, and local volunteer efforts provide grounding in collective resilience. Geopolitical decisions may tower above, but humanity lives horizontally—in neighborhoods, friendships, and everyday courage. In a world shaken by global interests, staying sane is a radical form of protest—and a necessary one.
Kanishka