Division Is the Disease — And It’s Ruining Our Health
Let’s get something straight:
The powers that be — the real ones, the ultra-rich who run the show — have been playing us for years. Not with guns or bombs (although there’s a fuck tonne of that right now as well), but with a much more effective weapon: distraction.
They keep us busy blaming each other.
Pointing fingers.
Arguing on social media.
Falling out with neighbours over petty shite.
And while we’re doing that, they keep climbing, cashing in, and laughing from the top.
Divide and conquer — it’s not just a tactic; it’s a business model.
But let’s talk about what that constant anger, fear, and division is actually doing to you. Not just your opinions. Not just your vote.
But your health.
Stress Is a Killer — And Division Fuels It
We’re not meant to be in fight-or-flight mode 24/7. But that’s exactly where a lot of people are living these days.
Every headline, every political soundbite, every outrage post gets your heart rate up and your nervous system jacked. That little spike of cortisol (the stress hormone) that was supposed to help you outrun a tiger? It’s now firing off because someone disagreed with your Facebook comment or because the news told you some group of people are “the problem.”
A little stress is good. Chronic stress?
That’s when things go to shit:
- Higher blood pressure
- Increased risk of stroke
- Shitty sleep
- Weakened immune system
- Depression, anxiety, burnout
- Emotional eating and drinking
- Higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes
And that’s before we even get into how stress makes you feel like crap every day. Tired, edgy, short-fused, worn-out, no motivation.
When you’re constantly in survival mode, you don’t thrive. You just survive — badly.
But It’s All Manufactured
Here’s the real kicker:
A lot of this stress, this fear, this finger-pointing — it’s created on purpose.
You think it’s an accident that we’re made to blame immigrants, single mums, benefit claimants, or striking workers?
That people spend more time arguing about someone’s gender than they do asking why energy bills have doubled or food banks are overflowing?
It’s all part of the circus.
A big fat distraction.
Because as long as the working classes are fighting amongst themselves, the ones at the top can keep doing what they want — hoarding more wealth, rigging the system, and pushing more people to the bottom.
And It’s Not Just Your Mind — It’s Your Body Too
We talk a lot about mental health — and rightly so — but let’s not forget: your brain and body are on the same bloody team. What affects one affects the other.
When you’re constantly angry, anxious, or overwhelmed, it shows up physically. Chronic stress affects your:
- Gut health — ever notice your stomach goes to shit when you’re stressed?
- Recovery — your body heals slower.
- Muscle mass — high cortisol can make it harder to build and maintain strength.
- Sleep quality — which knocks on to everything else.
- Immune system — stressed people get ill more often.
It also makes it harder to make better choices. You’re less likely to go train, less likely to cook dinner, more likely to say “sod it” and order a pizza with two sides and a tub of ice cream.
So, What Do We Do About It?
We reconnect. We switch off the outrage machine and zoom out.
Here’s what helps:
- Protect Your Brain
Sort out your feed. Mute or unfollow anyone constantly pumping fear and drama. Stay informed, but don’t bathe in the noise.
- Move Your Body
Walk, lift, stretch, train — doesn’t matter how, just move. It’s a stress reliever, mood booster, and a huge middle finger to the system trying to keep you in your seat and scared.
- Get Outside
Sunlight, fresh air, birdsong — it’s not just hippie nonsense. Nature exposure lowers cortisol, improves mood, and reconnects you with what actually matters.
- Eat Like You Give a Shit
Not perfect. Not strict. But enough good stuff to fuel you and enough flexibility to enjoy life. Stop demonising food groups and start focusing on balance.
- Build Your Bubble
Find your people — real connection, not just followers. Build a support network that doesn’t feed off drama. Whether it’s a gym crew, mates, family, or the random legends at your local coffee shop — connect.
And Most of All — Stop Taking the Bait
We can’t keep falling for the trap. We’re not each other’s enemies. The problem isn’t the single mum on Universal Credit. It’s not the migrant worker. It’s not the lad who posts his pronouns. It’s not your mate who thinks differently about politics.
The real problem?
A system built to keep us distracted, divided, and unwell.
Want to be healthier — mentally, physically, emotionally?
Start by refusing to hate on command.
