Climate change. Social injustice. Human rights. Every day we hear more and more news that paints a bleak picture of our futures. We know it's important to stay informed about what's going on in the world while staying on top of our busy personal lives, but how do we do this responsibly without harming our mental health? In this episode, we're sharing how we balance watching and processing the news without letting it consume us entirely.

Resources mentioned:

• Julia Ainsley - Journalist for MSNBC
• Andrea Mitchell - Correspondent for MSNBC
• David Muir - Anchor on ABC News Tonight

Some key takeaways on staying informed are:

• It's really easy to fall into the trap of ignoring the news altogether, or cherry picking the news sources you personally align with or agree with. Both keep us from being fully informed about the events that affect us everyday.
• When we go to the polls, a lot of what we're voting on is dependent on what's going on in the news. When we ignore the news, we take a very individualistic approach to voting rather than voting on what will benefit our society as a whole.
• Do your best to consume unbiased news sources for a few minutes each day. The news develops quickly and often, but catching the highlights keeps you informed without doom scrolling through the details.

Be Powerful with Liz & Lee, formerly Hilliard Studio Podcast, is focused on helping you find your inner power and for us to share our thoughts on society, culture, and current events. As the team behind Hilliard Studio Method in Charlotte, North Carolina, we love all things wellness and will also share info on how to live your healthiest life mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Liz Hilliard is an author, motivational speaker, personal & group trainer, podcast co-host and owner & creator of Hilliard Studio Method (HSM) – an internationally-renowned, core-centric, Pilates-based workout that uses the latest techniques to get the heart rate pumping and sweat dripping – uses "Be Powerful" as a daily mantra to empower and encourage women of all generations and fitness levels to accept themselves as they are and keep moving.

Lee Kennelly is the second half of the podcast and the Director of Training at Hilliard Studio Method. She is happy to be living life unabashedly with Liz and adores her teenage children who have probably never listened to the podcast! Lee is passionate about movement and teaching and loves being on the sports fields watching her children, making her line of Love Sauce salads, or going out to dinner for date night with Liz. While behind the mic and on the screen aren't necessarily her comfort zone, she loves podcasting with Liz and has enjoyed the opportunity to share her story with the hope of inspiring others to live more joyfully.

Podcast contact info:

• Liz's Instagram
• Lee's Instagram
• Hilliard Studio Method
• HSM Facebook
• Liz & Lee's YouTube