JANE OFF DUTY & OFF THE LEDGE - AUTUMN EDITION
Immersing myself in research about complex issues, like climate crisis and women’s rights being rolled back, we cover on “Common Ground…” is often stressful and exhausting.
So, I routinely break out of my office chair twice a day to avoid the “sitting is the new smoking” syndrome and re-energize.
Here’s how:
MAKE A PIE
I channel my inner Martha Stewart on speed and lose myself in creating a mosaic atop the pecan pie I’ve been making for decades thanks to this recipe in the iconic Silver Palate Cookbook. For Thanksgiving one year, I added pastry stars around the perimeter and brushed them with a heavy cream and egg yolk “wash” before baking, and I’ve been doing it ever since.
TAKE A HULA HOOP BREAK
I was given a weighted hula hoop as a gift and it sat gathering dust for months. One day I picked it up and could barely keep it going for 30 seconds but, over time, I worked up to 10 minutes in each direction (you want to make sure you treat both hip flexors equally) and now I’m hooked. I’ve also discovered the waist that eluded me for years and have dropped two clothing sizes.
ACTIVISM MOMENT OF ZEN
It’s true what they say: activism is the antidote to anxiety. Find something you can do that will make a difference.
With an eye on the November elections ahead, volunteer with the League of Women Voters or your Republican/Democratic Town committee.
SKIP THE NEWS
Skip the news and watch a feel-good episode of “Trying.” This original Apple+ series that turns on British wit, warmth and charm will make you feel better about humanity.
Three seasons are available. Watch the Trailer here.
Enjoy.
Jane
Jane Whitney, Our Moderator
During her 25+ year career in television, Jane Whitney was a correspondent for NBC News based in Central America and a reporter for "Entertainment Tonight." Ms. Whitney also anchored topical talk/news broadcasts for PBS, CNN and CNBC and WCAU-TV in her hometown of Philadelphia. Finally, she was dubbed a "recovering talk show host" by New York times columnist Maureen Dowd after she hosted the Warner Bros. nationally syndicated TV program "The Jane Whitney Show.” Her social commentaries and essays have appeared in Newsweek, The New York Times Magazine and The New York Observer. Currently, she also helps manage two foundations that support services for domestic violence victims, the homeless and at risk children.