Posted by beardedlady on March 23, 2003, at 13:02:18
In reply to The War - coping strategies, posted by photojenny on March 23, 2003, at 12:32:46
Hi, P.J.:
If you are addicted to the war coverage (as many of us are) and find that once you turn on the TV, you can't turn it off, try using it as a reward for doing something.
For example, don't allow yourself to turn on the tube until you've earned it, say, doing laundry, finishing a report, shopping for groceries. Assign some catch-up time with each task; in order to watch more, you have to do more.
I don't watch the coverage. I would rather watch comedy or a soap opera, if I watch TV at all. Lately I'm drowning myself in music--Nick Hornby's new book has a great CD attached, and it's got Paul Westerberg and Teenage Fanclub on it, so I've been listening to that and the Walkmen.
But every now and again (about half an hour ago today for the first time), I turn it on to see what's transpired. And here's what I learned: A British plane was shot down by a Patriot Missile; some (10? 12?) Americans took a wrong turn and were ambushed by the Iraqis; 10 Americans were captured by the Iraqis and POWs, and four were, possibly, shot to death; a U.S. soldier in Kuwait threw a grenade in the tents of his sleeping unit, killing one and wounding the others; and a British journalist was killed by friendly fire.
That's my death quota for the day, I'm afraid. It's back to spring cleaning for me.
I hope this reward system works for you. I find it helpful in motivating me when I'm low, as I'm less likely to cheat on myself (except when it comes to overeating--and why is that?).
Good luck, P.J.
beardy
poster:beardedlady
thread:211785
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030322/msgs/211788.html