Post-Election Self-Care

It breaks my heart to write this post, but here we are, and here I am. Hoping that sitting here and writing this makes a tiny difference. That’s how I cope (in case you haven’t noticed). When I’m feeling lost – I write and I try to help. I try to do something. At heart, I’m a fixer and it sucks when there’s nothing that I can fix. So I’m going to sit here and tell you that you are not alone. If you feel alone in your feelings today that’s something I can fix – because you’re not alone in being tired, scared, angry, hopeless and feeling let down.

It’s okay to feel exactly what you’re feeling. So let’s break it down and talk about it.

Let Yourself Feel It All

Don’t rush to “stay positive” or brush off your emotions. This is grief, hurt, and loss is on a level that we’re not taught how to deal with or process. So feel it. Give yourself time to process it. Write it out in a journal, talk with a friend, or cry. (I’ve been on the verge of throwing up for 18 hours now – I guess that’s valid too). Whatever you feel is valid.

Take a News/Social Media Break

I’m not going to be on social media today aside from posting on my business page and answering comments. While staying informed is important, overloading on news and social media is just going to be triggering AF and put your nervous system under pressure it doesn’t need to be under right now. There’s really not going to be anything new at this point. Give your brain a break.

Instead of scrolling Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, etc. – here are some other options.

Listen to free audiobooks from LibriVox. Go to the library and check out sappy, romantic, Christmas romances. Take yourself on a trip to the bookstore and get something new to read.

Play a game. These are free: Palia, Plant Therapy, or the Sims 4. I love playing jigsaw puzzles on my phone too.

Take Care of Something (or Someone)

Clean off your desk. (I did this, made me feel normal for a few minutes). Be super extra sweet to your furbaby – pamper them. Put all of your attention on them today. Give them the best day ever. Do all of their favorite things with them. Give them snacks and toys and extra belly rubs.

And do that for your favorite humans too. Taking care of them today can help. Order their favorite take out, watch they’re favorite movie. Realize that whatever you don’t have control of outside of the four walls of your house – you DO have control over loving and taking care of the people around you.

(And yourself – OF COURSE yourself. Be so freaking kind to yourself today. And tomorrow. And the day after.)

Seek Comfort in Community

This is not a time to be alone if you don’t have to be. Whether it’s texting a friend, joining a supportive group online, or just sitting down with family, seek out spaces where you can feel supported. Connecting with others who understand can remind you that you’re not isolated in how you feel.

You are not alone. You are not alone. There are people all over the world and all of the US and all over your state that DO care. It’s hard to remember that right now but you are not alone.

Take Action, No Matter How Small

When big changes happen, we often feel powerless – this one might wait a few days but if you have the energy/ability – make a list of things you can do in your community that might help moving forward. Reach out to organizations that align with your beliefs. See where people need help or donations or volunteers. Make sure that you have a plan for midterm elections. Every small effort you make matters, even if it doesn’t feel like it.

Breathe and Take It One Moment At A Time

When anxiety is high, grounding exercises can help bring you back to the present. Try the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: Name five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. It’s a simple way to calm your mind and find some peace in the present.

I keep reminding myself to breathe. I notice my shoulders tensing up and I’m like, “Dominee, you’ve got to breathe and relax.” I’ll remind myself as many times as I have to today and you should too.

Create a Safe Space for Yourself

Spend time in a place that feels safe and comforting. Make a cozy nook in your home or go to a favorite park or beach if that helps. Having a space where you can decompress away from the noise of the world can be deeply comforting.

Put on your favorite 90s cartoon, or have a Lord of the Rings Marathon, or pull out the book you’ve read a million times that always makes things better. There will be other days for other feelings and emotions but today – do your best to focus on gentleness.

Look for Signs of Hope and Resilience

Even in tough times, people come together. Look for the helpers, the advocates, and the kindness that shines through. It might be small, but these little moments are there.

Post-Election Self-Care like this isn’t easy, but it’s so necessary. Take your time, reach out when you need support, and remember: You’re not alone. Today might feel heavy, but healing, even slowly, is still progress. We’re not going back. We’re going forward. And it feels the opposite, it does and it’s heartbreaking – but there’s still a ‘forward’. There’s still a future.

I love you wonderful human.