For those of you who know me personally, many of you are aware that in my own personal life I identify as a liberal Democrat. I #feeltheBern, had been following Bernie Sanders since high school. After the primary, it took me awhile to move over from a #GirlIGuessImWithHer voter, but in the end I was excited to cast my vote for the first female president of the United States. That being said, I come from a family background that includes a significant number of Republicans (I even inherited a Rush Limbaugh tie). Quite a few of my friends identify as Republicans and Libertarians, and actively voted for different candidates than I did this election cycle.
Through my time at University, I pursued a triple BA in Peace and Conflict Studies, Political Science, and Religious Studies. While I often say it as a punchline to a joke, the true reason was that I believed the biggest things people fight over are religion and politics.
I have a bordering on Leslie Knope-ish view of the world, and believed if I could understand the different perspectives on religion and politics, I would be to able to have fruitful dialogue with people of different opinions and backgrounds, and come together to make a better world.
Tuesday night did not turn out how I expected. In fact, I have some actual footage of me from the night of the election when the tides began to turn.
Over the past 2 days, my Facebook feed has included hundreds of posts of depression, anger, hurt, and rage. Overall, the prevailing emotion has been anxiety. Anxiety over what the election of Donald Trump means for our country. This anxiety had been compounded by images and stories of homophobia, anti-semi-semitism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, racism, and sexual assault which have been tied to the election. Trump supporters have also reported being attacked.
One of my friends recently messaged me saying "I finally understand why all dystopian novels are set in the United States." There is a tremendous amount of fear in our country right now.
However, as President Obama said in his speech, the sun rose, and it will again tomorrow. After a particularly nasty election, every one of us could use a little self-care. Without further ado, here are my tips and tricks for self-care after the 2016 election.
Phone a friend
We can all use a little TLC right now, and one of the best ways to do that is through talking to a friend. Whether they are across the country, or down the street, make some time to call your friends.
Opt Outside and go on a digital detox
Not just the REI anti-Black Friday campaign. Take it to heart, and get it pumping. Take some time away from the computer to get some fresh air and relax away from screens.
Marathon your favorite show
If you are anything like me (who likes to think they have an allergy to exercise), there is always the option of returning to your good, old-fashioned, Netflix binge. I would stay away from House of Cards after this election, but West Wing and Parks and Rec are always a safe bet.
Do what you love
Go to an improv show, go on a hike, play with puppies, read, hang out with friends. Find what refreshes you (not just the things on your calendar and to do list), and actively make time for those activities.
Take politics off the dinner table
Thanksgiving is approaching, and many of us have politically blended families. If you think you cannot make it through one dinner together without degrading into a political fight, take politics off the dinner table.
Volunteer
Whether it is at the animal shelter (LA has a neonatal kitten nursery, just saying), working at a soup kitchen, or heck, getting involved with your local political party, volunteering is a great way to take care of yourself, while also working for a better world.
If you are like me, and are still working to process the results of the election as we move forward, here are some additional tips.
Know why this happened
While for many liberals, the election of Donald Trump may have felt sudden, the reality is that there are a lot of underlying reasons why it happened. One of my colleagues this morning recommended I check out The United States of Anxiety, a podcast which "brings you the voices of people trying to hold on to their piece of the American Dream and others who are looking to build one." While I may disagree with the views portrayed, it has been an important step for me to listen to the underlying reasons of why people chose to vote for Trump. Commentary on additional reasons Trump won can be found here, here, and here.
Understand what a Trump Presidency means
Whether you like it or not, a Trump Presidency is going to impact your life. In the immediate aftermath of the election Global Dispatches Podcast (which I discovered after my 10 Podcasts All 20-Somethings Should Know About post) caught up with Heather Hurtburt of the New America Foundation to discuss the impact of a Trump Presidency on foreign policy, including his choice for Secretary of State, and what the future may look like for the Iran Nuclear Deal and the Syrian conflict. The episode is only 30 minutes, but definitely an important listen as we proceed into the next term.
This podcast has truly been my lifeline through the election cycle, and will continue to be long after. I find it deeply helpful to hear knowledgeable individuals from both sides of the political spectrum come together to have a civilized debate about the political news cycle each week.
Feature image was used from stephen.moore's flickr account.